Department for Transport

Railways: Freight

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of expanding the use of rail freight.

Kevin Foster: The Government is committed to growing rail freight and unlocking the economic and environmental benefits which it can deliver, with industry estimating rail freight delivers economic benefits of around £2.45bn per year, including, cost savings to industry, environmental benefits and congestion relief. The Government continues to incentivise modal shift from road to rail through the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) scheme, which financially supports the carriage of freight by rail and water on routes where road haulage has a financial advantage. The £20m scheme delivers high value for money and in 2021/22 removed around 900,000 HGVs off our congested road network, saving 58,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Funding for this scheme has been confirmed for a further 3 years.

Railways: Standards

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the punctuality of trains at railway stations in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands, (c) Tamworth and (d) Lichfield District; and what steps she is taking to help improve punctuality.

Kevin Foster: Rail performance ‘On Time’ statistics, measuring the percentage of services arriving at stations within a prescribed time limit are published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) at England and Wales level and at train operator level (rather than station level). Table 1: The percentage of recorded station stops arrived at within 59 seconds per quarter, in England and WalesQuarterTrains arriving within 59 seconds (percentage)Jan to Mar 201967.0Apr to Jun 201969.4Jul to Sep 201964.8Oct to Dec 201959.3Jan to Mar 202065.6Apr to Jun 202086.7Jul to Sep 202079.6Oct to Dec 202075.1Jan to Mar 202180.5Apr to Jun 202178.2Jul to Sep 202174.6Oct to Dec 202168.2Jan to Mar 202272.5Apr to Jun 202272.4Source: ORR Train punctuality at recorded station stops by operator (Table 3133) Tamworth railway station is served by Avanti West Coast Trains, CrossCountry and West Midlands Trains while the two-railway stations in Lichfield District (Lichfield City Centre and Lichfield Trent Valley) are served by Avanti West Coast Trains and West Midlands Trains. Table 2 shows the percentage of recorded station stops arrived at within 59 seconds per quarter for those selected three train operators. Table 2: The percentage of recorded station stops arrived at within 59 seconds per quarter, in England and Wales by relevant operatorQuarterAvanti West CoastCrossCountryWest MidlandsJan to Mar 201950.152.962.5Apr to Jun 201944.451.658.9Jul to Sep 201938.946.652.5Oct to Dec 201934.740.545.0Jan to Mar 202040.449.254.7Apr to Jun 202069.779.379.7Jul to Sep 202060.967.473.0Oct to Dec 202057.861.368.8Jan to Mar 202160.769.177.6Apr to Jun 202160.166.872.8Jul to Sep 202155.860.567.8Oct to Dec 202145.352.659.3Jan to Mar 202251.060.465.1Apr to Jun 202246.558.663.5Source: ORR Train punctuality at recorded station stops by operator (Table 3133) The Department is continuing to work closely with industry to develop and drive through important performance improvement initiatives.As the pandemic has changed travel habits, operators are using this opportunity to reassess their services to ensure they provide rail timetables that meet new passenger travel patterns, are fit for the future, and carefully balance cost, capacity and performance.

West Coast Main Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve the (a) frequency and (b) reliability of train services on the West Coast Main Line following the decision to award a contract extension to Avanti West Coast.

Kevin Foster: The Department has been working with Avanti West Coast to overcome operational issues. Agreed steps include additional drivers entering service, extra trains on its key routes, and extended booking options. The contract extension will provide an opportunity to implement these steps.

Electric Vehicles

Matt Western: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is affordable to people on a low income.

Lucy Frazer: Government has committed £2.5 billion since 2020 to support the transition to zero emission vehicles, with funding to offset their higher upfront cost, and to accelerate the rollout of chargepoint infrastructure. In many cases, electric vehicles (EVs) are already cheaper to own and run than a petrol or diesel equivalent. While EVs do cost more to buy outright today than their petrol/diesel equivalents, the market for more affordable zero emission cars is growing rapidly – with 24 models currently priced under £32,000 compared to 15 just a year ago.

Motorway Service Areas: Electric Vehicles

Taiwo Owatemi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the policy paper entitled Government vision for the rapid chargepoint network in England, published on 14 May 2020, what steps her Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) extend as demand increases the target for open access chargepoints at motorway service areas in England.

Lucy Frazer: The Government is actively monitoring the provision of ultra rapid chargepoints on the strategic road network. We are working closely with a variety of stakeholders, including motorway service areas and chargepoint operators. By the end of 2023, we aim to have at least six ultra-rapid, open access chargepoints at every motorway service area in England. By 2035, we expect around 6,000 ultra-rapid, open access, chargepoints across England’s motorways and major A roads. The £950 million Rapid Charging Fund will fund a portion of the cost of upgrading the electricity grid at key sites, ensuring that no part of the strategic road network is left behind.

Electric Scooters: Visual Impairment

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Guide Dogs UK Charity on the impact on partially sighted individuals of allowing the use of e-scooters; and if she will consult that charity when preparing the Transport Bill announced in the Queen's Speech 2022.

Lucy Frazer: Officials from the Department met with Guide Dogs on 18 August 2022 to discuss the recommendations in their Scoot Aware report. Reducing the impact of e-scooters on people with visual impairments, including their safe use and perceptions of safety, is a priority for the Department as we consider regulations for e-scooters. We will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders representing the needs of blind and visually impaired people, including through a public consultation, before any new arrangements come into force.

Wind Power: Migrant Workers

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he last held discussions with the Secretary of State for (a) the Home Department and (b) Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the potential effect of the Offshore Wind Workers Immigration Rules Concession 2017 on maritime (i) jobs and (ii) skills.

Lucy Frazer: Neither I, nor my colleague the Secretary of State, have yet had any discussions with our counterparts at the Home Office or Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about this specific matter. However, I look forward to engaging colleagues on this important issue.

P&O Ferries: Minimum Wage

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the statement by her predecessor on 30 March 2022 on P&O Ferries, Official Report, column 840, what recent progress her Department has made on the establishment of a minimum wage corridor between the UK and Ireland.

Lucy Frazer: We are continuing our discussions on bilateral agreements with our near European neighbours, including Ireland, as a matter of priority. These negotiations are focusing on how we can collaborate to improve seafarer welfare and how we can work through international organisations to create a step change in seafarer welfare. We are also exploring the creation of minimum wage equivalent corridors to ensure seafarers receive fair pay whilst working in our respective territorial waters.

Large Goods Vehicles: Global Navigation Satellite Systems

David Warburton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals on enforcing the use of authorised commercial satellite navigation systems in heavy goods vehicles.

Lucy Frazer: The Government currently has no plans to mandate the use of satellite navigation equipment.

Railways: Freight

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on the intermodal rail freight industry of increasing the use of longer semi-trailers.

Lucy Frazer: The Department for Transport began a long-term trial of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) for articulated goods vehicles in January 2012, to confirm whether their use would bring about anticipated environmental and economic benefits.The 2017 annual report on the trial included project note E3, which specifically addressed the intermodal impacts of LST use. It concluded that where routes operating LSTs (during the trial) might have competed with rail at a limited level, rail has been able to respond effectively and integrate LST operations into its business model.Following a consultation, a decision was taken that longer semi-trailers (LSTs) should be allowed into general circulation with light regulatory control on their use. An updated impact assessment relating to this decision was published in June 2022.

Large Goods Vehicles

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of longer and heavier lorries on UK roads on (a) safety and (b) smart motorways.

Lucy Frazer: The Department commissioned a feasibility study to look at whether longer/heavier vehicles (LHVs) up to 25.25m and 60 tonnes could be safely trialled on UK roads, which completed in May 2022. The report found that all countries using LHVs reported substantial gains in efficiency, translating to reductions in traffic, emissions, casualties, and costs. The report also noted there are some risks directly associated with the length of such vehicles, for example, the length of emergency refuge areas, which is particularly relevant for smart motorways. Further work is being commissioned to consider the risks identified by the feasibility study, including consideration of issues specific to smart motorways.The Department has also been running a trial of longer semi-trailers (LSTs). The LSTs trial has seen a reduction in journey numbers and pollutants compared to articulated heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators, and whilst under trial conditions, LSTs were operated as safely, or indeed more safely, as articulated HGV trailers.

Large Goods Vehicle Drivers

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to retain HGV drivers.

Lucy Frazer: The Government is taking forward work to address workforce shortages in the logistics sector. This includes tackling barriers to access and retention by increasing training opportunities, identifying skills needs and data gaps, improving perception and awareness of the sector, and improving facilities.The industry led Generation Logistics campaign is backed by £345,000 government funding and aims to increase the number of people considering logistics as a career, and positive sentiment about logistics.The Government also announced £32.5m investment in improving roadside facilities for HGV drivers in the December 2021 Spending Review, this is alongside an additional £20 million from National Highways’ existing Users and Communities Fund. Funding will support operators in making improvements such as better security, showers and eating facilities as well as possibly increasing spaces for lorry drivers. More information will be publicly available this Autumn, however roadside operators are already encouraged to apply to the National Highways Fund. The ‘National Survey of Lorry Parking’ was published at the end of September and will be used as an evidence base for what improvements are needed and where they are needed.

Bus Services: Concessions

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to introduce free off-peak bus travel for the over-60s.

Lucy Frazer: Funding the concessionary bus pass costs around £1 billion annually, so any changes, such as extending free bus travel to those who are not yet eligible would have an impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. In England, the age of eligibility for the concessionary bus pass is linked to the state pension age. This addresses the anomalous position of non-disabled, working age citizens receiving free bus buses, which in turn supports the financial sustainability of the scheme.

Bus Services: Finance

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the future of the Bus Recovery Grant after December 2022.

Lucy Frazer: The Government has provided nearly £2 billion in emergency and recovery grants to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the bus sector. On 19 August the Government announced a further £130 million, six-month extension to the Bus Recovery Grant. The extension period started on 5th October and will end on 31 March 2023. Allocations to December 2022 have been confirmed, and we expect to confirm allocations from January to March 2023 in due course. The Government also provides support to the sector through the Bus Service Operators Grant every year. Around £200 million is provided annually to bus operators to help them maintain an extensive network and keep fares down, and a further £42 million is provided to Local Transport Authorities every year to subsidise socially necessary bus services.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the number of electric vehicle charging points in Stockport constituency.

Lucy Frazer: As of 1st July 2022, Stockport constituency has a total of:27 public charging devices, of which 15 are rapid or faster (25kW+)[1];439 domestic charging devices have been installed, funded by the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and the preceding Domestic Recharge Scheme;85 Workplace Charging Scheme funded sockets installed in workplace carparks  Information on privately funded and installed chargers that are not availble for public use are not included in these figures and therefore the total number of charging devices in the constituency could be higher.  [1] Source: Data supplied by Zap-Map

Bus Services: Darlington

Peter Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she will take to support bus companies in Darlington with recruitment and retention of bus drivers.

Lucy Frazer: The Department for Transport engages with bus and coach operators, and the Confederation of Passenger Transport regularly on many issues, including driver shortages. We have increased the capacity of vocational driving tests, including through the recruitment of additional driving examiners. These measures will make it easier for operators to recruit and train bus and coach drivers up and down the country, including in Darlington.

Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Baroness Vere remains the Minister responsible for the Hammersmith Bridge task force.

Katherine Fletcher: I am now the Minister responsible for the Hammersmith Bridge restoration project, and the Hammersmith Bridge task force.

Parking: Private Sector

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to restrict the access for parking companies to DVLA records if they are found to have consistently issued unfair parking charge notices.

Katherine Fletcher: The law allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to release vehicle keeper details to third parties in certain limited circumstances, subject to appropriate safeguards. This includes the release of information to help manage parking on private land. To ensure motorists are treated fairly, the DVLA will only provide information to private parking companies that are members of an appropriate accredited trade association and adhere to an enforceable code of practice. If a car parking operator does not comply with the code of practice, it may be suspended or expelled from the trade association, during which time no data will be provided to it by the DVLA.The DVLA audits external data users to ensure information is requested and used appropriately.

Railway Stations: Disability

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress he has made on ensuring all train stations have step-free access.

Kevin Foster: The Access for All programme has delivered accessible routes at more than 200 stations, including Slough station. Around another 100 are due to be completed by 2024 and Johnstone, Hunt’s Cross and Eridge are among the stations recently completed. This is in addition to access improvements delivered when the industry installs, replaces or renews station infrastructure.

Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce: Ministerial Responsibility

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which minister in his Department is responsible for the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce.

Katherine Fletcher: I am now the Minister responsible for the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce.

Shipping: Artificial Intelligence

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Lloyd’s Register’s report The Learning Curve: The state of artificial intelligence in maritime, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of the future use of artificial intelligence in shipping.

Lucy Frazer: The value of AI has been identified in the Government’s Maritime 2050 Report (2019) and Technology and Innovation Route Map (2019). Our goal is to leverage the UK’s existing strengths in AI and the data-driven economy to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the data revolution. The Department has created a dedicated Emerging Technologies Team and is collaborating cross-government, and with leading institutions such as the Alan Turing Institute, to ensure that the benefits of AI are realised in the transport sector. To support the development of artificial intelligence in shipping, the Department has, for example, provided £169,232 through the Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) Technology and Innovation call to the University of Liverpool’s safe port navigation project.

Shipping: Artificial Intelligence

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Lloyd’s Register’s report The Learning Curve: The state of artificial intelligence in maritime, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential assistance it can provide in creating a safe testing environment for safety critical artificial intelligence prototypes; and if he will make a statement.

Lucy Frazer: The value of AI has been identified in the Government’s Maritime 2050 Report (2019) Technology and Innovation Route Map (2019). Our goal is to leverage the UK’s existing strengths in artificial intelligence and the data-driven economy to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the data revolution. Government’s key role in supporting the industry is to ensure that there is an appropriate and forward-looking domestic legislative framework to support the safe testing and use of artificial intelligence in the maritime sector. To support this, Government commissioned the Maritime Autonomy Regulation Lab (MARLab) report (2020) to identify barriers in regulation that could prevent technological development.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Multiple Occupation: Energy Bills Rebate

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of providing payments through the Energy Bills Support Scheme to people living in (a) bedsits within another dwelling and (b) houses of multiple occupancy that have a shared energy bill.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Wind Power: Migrant Workers

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he last held discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential effect of the Offshore Wind Workers Immigration Rules Concession 2017 on (a) jobs and (b) skills in the offshore wind industry.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Wind Power: Migrant Workers

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the number of foreign nationals that were employed on offshore wind (a) construction and (b) maintenance projects in UK waters in each year since 2017.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Energy: Meters

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many and what proportion of households have a smart meter in each region of the UK as of 12 October 2022.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Public Health: EU Law

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to enhance (a) environmental and (b) public health regulation following his Department’s review of existing EU regulation.

Dean Russell: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Horizon Europe

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress has been made (a) towards association with or (b) to the development of an alternative programme to the Horizon Europe Programme.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Science: Foreign Investment in UK

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps his Department has taken to help increase international investor confidence in UK science.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Research: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the fall in the value of the Pound Sterling on (a) current and future UKRI budgets, (b) the capacity of publicly funded research to complete existing research projects and (c) public to private research and development investment ratios.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Innovate UK and Universities: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2022 to Question 33779 on Innovate UK: Expenditure, what assessment he has made of the impact of reduced funding for (a) Innovate UK and (b) awards to Academic Institutions.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Small Businesses: Energy

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has taken recent steps to help support small business switch from fixed rate to variable rate energy contracts without penalties; and if he will make a statement.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Energy Bills Rebate

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government plans to provide energy bill support for the two year duration of the energy price guarantee to households such as those living in park homes or on heat networks who do not buy mains gas and electricity directly.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Housing: Energy

Helen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure off-grid homes are protected by the energy price cap.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Insolvency: Greater London

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of company insolvencies that took place in London in the second quarter of the year, for each of the last five years.

Dean Russell: The data used for insolvency statistics is compiled from information at Companies House. The registered office address for a company may not be representative of its trading location, and often it is changed upon insolvency to the address of the appointed Insolvency Practitioner dealing with the case. Subject to these caveats, the table below sets out the data on estimated company insolvencies in the second quarter, 1st April to 30th June, in London in each year from 2017 to 2022. Estimated number of company insolvencies in London in Q2 (April to June) 2017 to 2022Source: Insolvency Service and Companies HouseYearQ2 (London) [1]Q2 (England & Wales)  20177683498  20189213970  201910184239  20206082884  20216853145  202211835501  [1] Location is based on registered company address, which may not be representative of a company’s trading location.

Hospitality Industry: Insolvency

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of business insolvencies there have been in the food and beverage services industry in each region in each of the last five years.

Dean Russell: The data used for insolvency statistics is compiled from information at Companies House. The registered office address for a company may not be representative of its trading location, and often it is changed upon insolvency to the address of the appointed Insolvency Practitioner dealing with the case. Subject to these caveats, the table below sets out the data on estimated company insolvencies by year and region for companies in the food and beverage service activities division (SIC code 56) between 2017 and 2022. The 2022 figures are up to the 30th June 2022. Table 1: Estimated company insolvencies in the food and beverage services division by region and year, 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2022, United KingdomSource: Insolvency ServiceRegion/ Country[1]201720182019202020212022[2]North East657565464246North West216304364270223212Yorkshire and The Humber236241276209271153East Midlands135157180828572West Midlands136192196166160102East of England98126122103141128London391509574410369250South East13715516814012486South West89120134808646Northern Ireland32395923813Scotland1051721921087756Wales465768413631Unknown974722[1] Region/country is based on registered company address, which may not be representative of a company’s trading location. [2] 2022 number up to 30th June 2022

Employment: Mediation

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions his Department has had with ACAS about (a) improving access to mediation during employment disputes and (b) helping ensure employers engage with mediation services.

Dean Russell: The Department frequently engages with ACAS on all aspects of alternative dispute resolution service, including access to mediation and conciliation.

Electricity: Standing Charges

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the comparative effect of the standing charge for electricity on low income households compared to other households.

Graham Stuart: The standing charge remains capped under the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), which means that a household with typical energy use in Great Britain will pay, on average, around £2,500 a year on their energy bill up till April 2023, when the EPG will be reviewed. The energy regulator, Ofgem, recently reviewed the components of the standing charge to see if they could be reduced. Ofgem concluded that while some low consuming users, might benefit from change, some higher consuming users, including vulnerable users, would pay more. Retaining the current methodology would protect users with greater energy needs, such as disabled users and electric heating users.

Energy: Meters

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of using broadband to connect smart meters in rural areas where connection through current means of information transfers is unavailable.

Graham Stuart: The Data Communications Company (DCC) is required to provide smart meter network coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. This is a dedicated network developed in coordination with industry security experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that robust security controls are in place. The network relies upon a variety of technologies to deliver connectivity, including cellular mobile, wireless mesh radio and long-range radio. In addition to delivering high levels of existing coverage, the DCC is also required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where practicable and cost proportionate.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Public Consultation

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many (a) consultations and (b) calls for evidence issued by his Department are closed but have not been responded to as of 12 July 2022.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has issued 55 consultations, and calls for evidence for which a response by the Department is outstanding as of 12 July 2022: a) 33 consultations (6 of which are still within the recommended response period);b) 22 calls for evidence.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Departmental Responsibilities

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,  with reference to the Minister for Science and Investment Security's responsibilities, for what reason the responsibility for intellectual property has been removed from the portfolio of the Minister for Science; where that portfolio now resides; whether the Minister for Science is responsible for the Investment Security Unit; where responsibility for Oneweb resides; and whether responsibility for maritime and shipbuilding includes maritime industrial strategy.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Ministerial portfolios are balanced across the ministerial team to ensure a reasonable split of workload, maximise efficiency and effective policy development, and reflect individuals’ expertise. Details of all ministerial portfolios at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy can be found on www.gov.uk/beis.

Lighting

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of setting standards for the (a) brightness and (b) colour temperature of lighting; if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of such standards on light pollution; and whether he has had recent discussions with (i) manufacturers, (ii) distributors and (iii) installers of lighting on their role in reducing light pollution.

Graham Stuart: The reduction of light pollution is not a matter for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 23 September to Question 51406, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the phased approach Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to empower local authorities to think longer term about decarbonisation.

Graham Stuart: Funding allocations for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme are determined through the Government’s Spending Reviews. These are part of a well-established budgeting framework, carried out approximately every 3 years. This provides certainty for departments, enabling them to plan ahead while balancing the need for spending control and parliamentary oversight. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is reviewed regularly, including ahead of new phases of the scheme being launched. The Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund has also made available £61 million of grant funding to empower the public sector, including local authorities, to take a strategic approach to decarbonising their estates.

Energy: Prices

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to take steps with Cabinet colleagues to regularly review the cap on household energy bills so that it reflects any reductions in global energy prices over the next two years.

Graham Stuart: OFGEM calculates and publishes the price cap, which limits the rates a supplier can charge for their default tariffs. The price cap calculations include consideration of global energy prices and cap levels are currently reviewed on a quarterly basis. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) scheme then applies a discount to these tariffs. The level of EPG discount will be reviewed quarterly in line with changes to the price cap to ensure that the scheme benefits consumers as intended and reflects any changes in global energy prices.

Energy: Disclosure of Information

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reason his Department sometimes requires (a) energy companies and (b) other trade bodies to sign non-disclosure agreements when discussing energy policy with his Department.

Graham Stuart: The Department may make use of non-disclosure agreements when discussing nascent policy proposals that could be market sensitive if more widely disclosed.

Gazprom

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of OFGEM's revocation of UK licences to (a) GAZPROM, (b) WINGAS GmbH and (c) other subsidiaries of GAZPROM.

Graham Stuart: Revocation of licences is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator.

Fracking: Seismic Monitoring

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential inclusion of a traffic light monitoring system for seismic activity at wells to be included in any forthcoming legislation of fracking.

Graham Stuart: The Government is reviewing this aspect of shale gas policy as part of a wider reflection on the most appropriate regulatory regime for the industry.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish a timetable for announcing successful bids in respect of the Second Cluster Sequencing development for the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector; and if he will make it his policy to allow all credible bids to proceed.

Graham Stuart: The Government remains committed to supporting four CCUS clusters to deployment by 2030. Track-2 of the Cluster Sequencing Programme will add further clusters to fulfil this commitment and deliver an additional capture and storage capacity of at least 10Mtpa. The Government will continue to engage with industry to develop a Track-2 process for future CCUS deployment, building on our experience of sequencing the Track-1 clusters. Details of this process will be brought forward in due course.

Energy: Price Caps

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government plans to place a cap on energy price support provided to households such as those living in park homes or who are on heat networks who do not pay directly for mains gas and electricity.

Graham Stuart: Where intermediaries benefit from the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bills Support Scheme or Energy Bill Relief Scheme, they are required to pass the support they receive to their end users, such as residents of park homes or those on heat networks. Intermediaries should pass on the discount irrespective of how the end user pays for their energy use. If the intermediary charges based on the end user’s usage, they must do this at the same price they pay, including any benefit under the Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bill Relief Scheme. If the intermediary charges an “all inclusive” rent the intermediary should pass the discount on in a fair and proportionate way.

Energy Bills Rebate

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the announcement made on 29 July 2022 on Energy Bills Support Scheme, whether it is his policy that people such as those living in park homes or on heat networks who do not pay directly for mains gas and electricity will need to make individual claims for energy bill support.

Graham Stuart: The Government will be announcing details in the Autumn for how these households, including park homes and those on heat networks, will receive the £400 of support.

Fracking

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential environmental impact of lifting the moratorium on fracking.

Graham Stuart: Development of shale gas needs to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards set by regulators including the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and the North Sea Transition Authority. Domestic gas typically has less than half the production emissions of imported LNG and, therefore, when substituted for imports, contributes to the UK’s carbon emission reduction goals.

Fracking

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the government's new strategy on fracking.

Graham Stuart: The invasion of Ukraine and the resulting restrictions on gas supply across Europe has emphasised the need for home grown sources of energy to reduce our reliance on imports. The Government has been clear about this need and will continue to work with stakeholders including industry, expert regulators and communities to understand how developments can gain the support of local communities, contribute to the energy security of the UK and be consistent with our commitments to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

Fracking

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government will take steps to ensure community consent prior to the establishment of fracking sites in (a) York and (b) England.

Graham Stuart: The Government expects industry to work closely with local communities in order to build support for new developments.

Fracking

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the geological evidence that informed his proposal to end the moratorium on fracking.

Graham Stuart: The Government is grateful to the British Geological Survey for their review of the science related to seismic events induced by hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploration. The report ‘Recent scientific advances in the understanding of induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing of shales’ has been received and carefully considered, and published on the Government website.

Fracking

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department will set a limit on acceptable levels of seismic shocks potentially caused by fracking.

Graham Stuart: The Government is reviewing this aspect of shale gas policy as part of a wider reflection on the most appropriate regulatory regime for the industry.

Energy: Billing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the press release entitled Ofgem requires improvements from energy suppliers on customer direct debits published on 13 July 2022, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the steps it is taking to monitor energy suppliers that it found to have weaknesses in their direct debit and charging processes.

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the press release entitled Ofgem requires improvements from energy suppliers on customer direct debits published on 13 July 2022, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the steps it is taking to secure improvements from the twelve energy suppliers found to have weaknesses in their direct debit and charging processes.

Graham Stuart: BEIS Ministers regularly have discussions with Ofgem on a range of issues relating to the energy market.Having completed a review on whether energy suppliers are setting customers’ direct debit payments appropriately, Ofgem is working with seven suppliers found to have minor weaknesses in their processes. The five suppliers found to have moderate to severe weaknesses are required to implement rapid and robust improvements to their processes and reassess customer direct debits where necessary. Failure to act fast enough may result in Ofgem taking enforcement action. Ofgem intends to strengthen direct debit rules in the supply licence. Details available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/statutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules.

Energy: Billing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with energy firm representatives on increases to energy bill direct debits.

Graham Stuart: BEIS Ministers regularly meet with stakeholders, including energy suppliers, to discuss range of energy retail market issues. Energy suppliers should not increase their customers’ direct debits by more than is necessary. Customers may challenge a proposed increase and renegotiate the direct debit payment. They can also review their direct debit payments at any time by taking a meter reading and contacting their supplier. The Government welcomed Ofgem’s announcement on 13 July 2022 of strict supervision of direct debits payments.

Energy: Billing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support individuals whose direct debit for energy bills has been significantly increased by their energy providers (a) at short notice and (b) by more than the corresponding increase to the energy price cap.

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what mechanisms are available to help support individuals whose direct debit for energy bills has been increased by their energy provider (a) at short notice and (b) by more than the corresponding increase in the energy price cap.

Graham Stuart: Ofgem requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ direct debit payments are based on the best available information. For existing customers, the direct debit payments should be based on energy used over the previous year plus any price changes. Customers should receive notice of a payment increase at least 10 days in advance of the change taking place. If a customer does not receive prior notice, they can make a complaint to the energy supplier. The energy price cap and the new energy price guarantee apply to the amount customers are charged per unit of gas or electricity, so customers’ exact bill amounts will continue to be influenced by how much energy is used.

Hydrogen: Finance

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Lloyd’s Register Decarbonisation Hub’s Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional funding for electrolysers to help increase production of renewable and zero carbon hydrogen.

Graham Stuart: The Register and Fuel Monitor are valuable tools in supporting decarbonisation of the UK’s maritime industry, for which hydrogen is a potential solution. The Government has committed to at least half of its 10GW hydrogen production capacity by 2030 ambition coming from electrolytic hydrogen and has included in the Growth Plan its intention to accelerate hydrogen electrolyser capacity deployment. Further details on the Government’s plans to accelerate UK infrastructure projects will be set out in due course.

Business: Electricity

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps to ensure the availability of new electricity connections for businesses.

Graham Stuart: New electricity connections are delivered by network companies under a regulatory framework overseen by the energy regulator, Ofgem. Ofgem is ensuring that network companies are releasing capacity and accelerating connection timescales for businesses across Great Britain, including through improved modelling of network impacts of new connections, streamlining connection procedures and procuring flexible services.

Small Businesses: Carbon Emissions and Renewable Energy

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding his Department has made available for schemes aimed to help small to medium-sized enterprises (a) transition to renewable energy and (b) reach net zero.

Graham Stuart: Almost £5 billion of funding is available to help businesses become greener as part of the Government’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. There are several national schemes open to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them reduce their emissions, including the £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Workplace Charging Scheme.

Electricity Interconnectors: Morocco

Dr Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether BEIS Ministers (a) have had and (b) plan to have discussions with local government officials on UK-side infrastructure for an interconnector between the UK and Morocco.

Graham Stuart: Ministers’ meetings with external parties are published quarterly on the gov.uk website:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings. This may also include details of meetings with local Government officials, but otherwise the information requested is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. There are currently no plans for such discussions in relation to the Xlinks project (the proposal to import clean power from Morocco to the UK).

Electricity Interconnectors: Morocco

Dr Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy if he will list by date the meetings which Government Ministers have had with (a) other Government Ministers and (b) third parties to discuss plans for an interconnector between the UK and Morocco.

Graham Stuart: Ministers have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues. Ministers’ meetings with external parties are published quarterly on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings.

Electricity Interconnectors: Morocco

Dr Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy whether his Department has had recent discussions with (a) ministers and (b) officials from (i) Spain, (ii) Portugal, (iii) France and (iv) the EU to discuss an interconnector between Morocco and the UK.

Graham Stuart: Officials from BEIS and FCDO discussed this topic during the course of the summer but there have been no recent discussions with ministers or officials from Spain, Portugal, France, or the EU to discuss an interconnector between Morocco and the UK.

Electricity Interconnectors: Morocco

Dr Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the (a) earliest potential start date and (b) potential peak capacity as a proportion of grid requirement of the proposed Xlinks interconnector between the UK and Morocco.

Graham Stuart: Xlinks has indicated that the project can supply 3.6 GW of capacity, approximately 8% of GB transmission demand (or approximately 6% of peak underlying – transmission and distribution – demand), from 2030. The Department has not verified the feasibility of proposed capacity of the project and project timelines.

Electricity Interconnectors: Morocco

Dr Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he will publish his decision on Government support for an interconnector between the UK and Morocco.

Graham Stuart: The Department has had early stage discussions with Xlinks about their proposal to import clean power from Morocco to the UK. There are currently no plans to publish a decision.

Sizewell C Power Station: Foreign Investment

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reasons the Government has permitted a significant proportion of investment in Sizewell C nuclear power station to come from foreign investors.

Graham Stuart: The Government welcomes investment into the UK’s nuclear sector and values the important role of overseas investors in large-scale infrastructure projects. The Regulated Asset Base model will help attract the significant investment needed from UK and international pension funds, insurers and other institutional investors, reducing reliance on overseas developers for finance which led to the cancellation of potential projects. Investment involving critical nuclear infrastructure needs to satisfy our robust national security, and other legal and regulatory requirements. The Government has also declared its preparedness to invest directly in the Sizewell C project, subject to ongoing negotiations and all relevant approvals.

Business: Energy

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps plans to take to support businesses with increased energy costs in 2023.

Graham Stuart: The details of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme were announced on 21 September 2022. The scheme will initially run for 6 months covering energy use from 1st October 2022 until 31st March 2023. The Government will publish a review of the scheme in 3 months, which will consider how best to offer further support to customers who are the most vulnerable to energy price increases. These are likely to be those who are least able to adjust, for example by reducing energy usage or increasing energy efficiency. Continuing support to those deemed eligible would begin at the end of the initial 6-month support scheme, without a gap.

Retail Trade: Government Assistance

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support retail businesses with (a) reduced footfall and (b) increased business costs.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Eligible retailers continue to benefit from 50% businesses rates relief and the Government has frozen the multiplier for all businesses in 2022/23. The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. The Growth Plan sets out government’s vision for a simpler, lower tax economy, delivering £45 billion of tax cuts by 2026/27, alongside a substantial package of supply-side reforms to start boosting growth.

Hospitality Industry: Closures

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate his Department has made of the number of pubs and restaurants that have closed down since (a) January 2020 and (b) January 2022.

Jackie Doyle-Price: ONS business deaths data[1] shows that 4,200 businesses in the beverage serving sector (which includes pubs) and 12,800 business in the restaurants and mobile food services sector ceased trading in 2020.[2] ONS business deaths statistics are not timely enough to provide estimates of the number of business closures since January 2022.[1] ONS business demography statistics, UK.[2] These industry breakdowns are the most granular available for the hospitality sector.

Public Houses

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which businesses have used the Standard Industrial Classification code 56302 in each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Please see below the annual business counts for the SIC code 56302 (Public houses and bars) for UK regions for the past 10 years. Note that some figures have been rounded by ONS to prevent disclosure. All figures are drawn from the Inter-Departmental-Business-Register via NOMIS.Region20122013201420152016201720182019202020212022North East1,3201,2501,2801,2901,2451,2551,2701,3601,3651,3351,355North West3,9103,7103,6753,6603,5953,5203,5103,5753,5603,4803,620Yorkshire and The Humber3,1603,0603,0203,0452,9802,8952,8902,9302,9602,9353,015East Midlands2,9202,8102,7652,7852,7202,6802,6802,6652,6602,5702,615West Midlands3,0352,8752,8302,8302,7552,7302,6702,7552,7402,6752,745East3,1953,0003,0052,9352,8602,7952,8002,8202,8102,7052,715London2,4152,2902,2602,3302,2702,1952,1902,2152,2452,2252,265South East4,7554,5054,4504,3854,2704,1504,1254,1404,0603,9553,980South West3,9403,8203,7303,6903,6103,5653,5103,5553,4953,3953,405Wales2,2102,0902,0802,0301,9501,9001,8551,8201,8351,7701,765Scotland2,6252,5152,5202,4652,3802,3052,3152,3152,2652,1202,145Northern Ireland840800755720710715730735720705700Total34,32032,72532,37532,16031,34530,71030,54530,88530,72029,86530,325

Removal Services and Storage: Departmental Responsibilities

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which Department is responsible for the removal and storage sector.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Many business sectors such as removals and storage are cross cutting, and officials across Government are in regular contact, sharing information and exploring potential solutions to the many challenges these industries face. I would encourage the sector to continue engaging with Government Departments which own individual policy areas.Departments will work collectively to ensure that the removals and storage sector continues to play a leading role in growing the UK’s economy.

Hospitality Industry: Vacancies

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of staff shortages in the hospitality sector, and if he will have discussions with representatives from the Hospitality Rising campaign in helping to addressing these shortages.

Jackie Doyle-Price: We are in regular dialogue with the sector and are aware of the recruitment challenges facing businesses. The Hospitality Sector Council is actively looking at this issue, including working directly with the Hospitality Rising Campaign through our Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board. The ONS publishes data on staff vacancy rates in the sector. This was most recently estimated at 7.2%, and this rate has fallen for the past 4 months.

Employment Tribunals Service: Costs

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the average cost of employment tribunals for employees; and if he will make an assessment the affordability of those costs for workers.

Dean Russell: Data from the Survey of Employment Tribunal Awards 2018 found that the median cost of seeking advice or representation for an employment tribunal claim for claimants is approximately £2500. The cost to claimants can be influenced by several factors including the extent to which they use paid advice and representation, the type and complexity of the claim, and its outcome.

Post Offices

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the viability of the Post Office Network.

Dean Russell: Since 2011/12, the Government has provided over £2.5 billion in funding to support the Post Office network and is providing a further £335 million for the Post Office over the next three years. Since 2019 the annual network subsidy, which helps to ensure the viability of rural and community branches, has been maintained at £50 million a year and will remain at the same level until 2025.

Post Office: Pay

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of the research compiled by National Federation of Subpostmasters that 70per cent of Postmasters earned less than the national minimum wage in 2021.

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to increase the median pay for postmasters.

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had discussions with the National Federation of Subpostmasters on pay.

Dean Russell: The then minister overseeing Postal Affairs, my Hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam, attended the National Federation of SubPostmasters conference in May where he heard directly from postmasters about the issues around remuneration. Although this is an operational matter for Post Office, I recognise how critical these issues are for postmasters and the future of the network and the Department will continue an open dialogue with the Post Office to assess what action can be taken.

Adoption: Self-employed

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 27 July 2022 to Question 39891 on Adoption: Self-employed, and with reference to the Explanatory Notes to the Employment Act 2002, whether it remains his Department's policy that paid adoption leave (a) provides time for the adoptive child and parent to adjust to their new relationships and (b) helps reduce the number of disrupted placements; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility to statutory maternity allowance to self-employed adopters.

Dean Russell: The Government recognises that it is crucial to the success of an adoption placement that an adopter takes time off work to care for and bond with their child. That is why employed adoptive parents have broadly the same rights and protections as birth parents. We do not have any data on the number of disrupted early placements. Adoption disruption is rare and research in 2014 (Beyond the Adoption Order) suggested that any disruptions happen at a later stage, years after the adoption order has been made.  Maternity Allowance is primarily a health and safety provision intended to support women who have recently given birth to take time off to recover physically from their pregnancy and childbirth. It would therefore not be appropriate to extend this to self-employed adopters.

Working Hours

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of revoking the Working Time Regulations.

Dean Russell: We are proud of the UK’s record on employment standards, having raised domestic standards over recent years to make them some of the highest in the world. In leaving the EU we regained the ability to regulate autonomously, and the Government is therefore conducting a comprehensive review of all retained EU law to ensure that our regulations, including worker rights, are tailored to the needs of the UK economy and help create the conditions for growth and investment.

Conditions of Employment

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing no-fault dismissals for higher earners.

Dean Russell: The UK has a strong labour market. We now have over 730,000 more employees on the payroll than pre-pandemic and unemployment has fallen to 3.5%. We are immensely proud of our flexible and dynamic labour market, which allows businesses in every region of the UK to create jobs and increase participation. The UK also has one of the best employment rights records in the world, including one of the highest national minimum wages – larger than those in similar economies such as France, Germany and Japan. The government is always considering how we can improve the labour market.

Electronic Equipment: Electric Cables

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to adopt similar proposals to the European Union on introducing a common charging cable for mobile phones by 2024 and laptops by 2026.

Dean Russell: The Government is aware of the EU’s proposal for a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. We are not currently considering replicating this requirement in domestic law.

Biofuels: Safety

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, (a) in what way his Department defines ‘sustainable biomass’ and (b) whether that definition takes into account any impact on the health of people living near to the source of the relevant biomass.

Graham Stuart: The Government defines sustainable biomass as biomass that is cultivated, harvested and processed in line with our sustainability criteria. The UK has stringent sustainability criteria in place for the power, heat and transport sectors, and supports the use of biomass only where it is demonstrated to be sustainable and deliver genuine greenhouse gas (GHG) savings compared to fossil materials. The sustainability criteria cover environmental and social aspects, and requires an understanding of the life-cycle GHG emissions including supply chain emissions (transporting, processing etc), biodiversity, ecosystem services (e.g., soil and water quality) and social issues (e.g. land tenure rights, labour rights).

Drax Power Station: Timber

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the report by BBC Panorama on 3 October 2022, regarding the type of wood products selected for burning at Drax power station, if he will make an assessment of how far Drax complies with sustainability criteria for biomass energy.

Graham Stuart: The Government only supports sustainable biomass and generators only receive subsidies for biomass that complies with strict sustainability criteria. The regulator, Ofgem, is responsible for auditing the sustainability of biomass used by biomass electricity generators who receive support under the Renewables Obligation and has a process in place for this. As is routine, Ofgem is establishing whether the sustainability criteria have been met by the generator. Sustainability information is publicly available on Ofgem’s website, with the latest dataset accessible here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/biomass-sustainability-dataset-2020-21.

Renewable Energy

Simon Lightwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of decoupling renewable energy from the wholesale energy market, in the context of the impact of gas prices on that market.

Graham Stuart: The Government has introduced the Energy Prices Bill, including powers to help address the link between high global gas prices and the cost of low-carbon electricity, allowing consumers to benefit from the ‘green dividend’ of low-priced clean energy. The Government recently launched the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) - a major review into Britain’s electricity market design. It is considering a broad range of enduring reforms, including ways of increasing investment in low carbon capacity which would result in gas-fired generation being the price setter for electricity less often, and reforms to the wholesale market so that volatile gas prices do not set the price of cheaper renewables, which could have the effect of decoupling gas and electricity prices.

Hydrogen: Scotland

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether any of the hydrogen projects announced in the Growth Plan 2022 will be located in Scotland.

Graham Stuart: The Growth Plan sets out the infrastructure projects that government will prioritise for acceleration, across transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. The list includes projects up and down the country and shows the UK government’s commitment to growth. The list is not exhaustive, and the Government will be looking at acceleration opportunities right across the portfolio.

Small Businesses: Energy

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the announcement on 21 September 2022 that the Government will take steps to identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how it will continue to assist them with energy costs after March 2023, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) including butchers on the list of the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and (b) providing a higher level of immediate interim energy cost support for small and medium sized businesses such as butchers which are high energy users and which the Government classed as essential retailers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Graham Stuart: The Government has committed to carrying out a review of the operation of the scheme in order to inform decisions on future support after March 2023. The review will focus on identifying the most at risk non-domestic customers and how the Government will continue assisting them with energy costs. It will consider how effective the scheme has been in giving support to at risk non-domestic customers and which groups of non-domestic customers (by sector, size or geography) remain particularly at risk to energy price rises, taking into account the latest price position and other cost pressures. During the review, the Government will work closely with business, interested government departments and devolved administrations. The findings of the review will be published by January 2023.

Energy Bills Rebate

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether people who live in charitable accommodation and pay their rent through an all-inclusive service charge will receive the £400 payment under the Energy Bills Support Scheme (a) directly or (b) through the charity that operates the scheme.

Graham Stuart: People living in charitable accommodation paying all-inclusive service charges will be eligible for support depending on the type of contract existing between the accommodation provider and the energy supplier. If the accommodation provider has a domestic energy account, they will receive the EBSS discount and should pass this to their tenants. The Government is introducing legislation to ensure this happens. If the accommodation provider has a business energy account, they will not receive EBSS. However, tenants will be able to apply for equivalent funding through the EBSS Additional Fund, details of which are to be announced in due course.

District Heating: Prices

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support households on heat networks who are not covered by the domestic price cap.

Graham Stuart: The Government has been clear that domestic heat network consumers should expect the same level of support as other domestic energy consumers Heat network consumers with domestic electricity contracts will receive capped electricity prices through the Energy Price Guarantee, credits of £400 on their electricity bills through the Energy Bills Support Scheme, reduced heat prices via the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and, in addition, will receive £100 delivered through the Alternative Fuels Payment to be established by the Energy Prices Bill. Details of support can be found here.

Tidal Power

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support tidal stream projects; and if he will set a target for marine energy generation.

Graham Stuart: Tidal stream is a home-grown industry of considerable promise, and the UK remains the world leader in tidal stream generation technologies, with almost half of the world's deployment of this cutting-edge approach situated in UK waters. The Government announced on 7 July that over 40MW of new tidal stream power has been secured in Scotland and Wales via the flagship Contracts for Difference scheme. This will quintuple the UK’s installed capacity and could treble the global capacity of installed tidal stream capacity by 2027. It provides the industry with the opportunity to demonstrate the cost-efficiency and proof of scalability that the Government needs to see from our sources of renewable electricity.

Tidal Power: Finance

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, (a) what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing ongoing ringfenced support for tidal stream projects in the next contracts for difference scheme; and (b) what the timetable is for announcing the structure of Allocation Round 5 of that scheme.

Graham Stuart: The Government is currently developing auction parameters for Allocation Round 5 of the Contracts for Difference scheme, including any for tidal stream, taking into account evidence of the pipeline of available projects. The Government will publish details of these parameters ahead of the round opening in March 2023.

Offshore Industry: North Sea

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 23 September to Question 51992, whether a list of onshore sites used in decommissioning has been (a) complied and (b) made publicly available.

Graham Stuart: This Department has not compiled a list of onshore sites used in decommissioning. Offshore oil and gas operators are required to report on progress whilst decommissioning installations or pipelines. On completion of a decommissioning project a close out report will be submitted to the Department detailing how the work has been executed. These reports detail which onshore site was used for decommissioning and are publicly available on our website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations-and-pipelines.

Offshore Industry: North Sea

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 23 September to Answer 51991, what checks were carried out to ensure voluntary commitments to sourcing UK supply chain work were made.

Graham Stuart: For all relevant projects covered by the North Sea Transition Deal, the North Sea Transition Authority uses the well-established Supply Chain Action Plan process to track and monitor these commitments to local content. Supply Chain Action Plans were introduced in 2018 to provide evidence that operators were deriving as much value as possible from their projects through open engagement with suppliers. The guidance was further updated earlier this summer to take account of the North Sea Transition Deal and Net Zero commitments.

China General Nuclear Power Corporation: NNB Generation Company

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 21 June 2022 to Question 19632, and pursuant to the Answer of 23 September 2022 to Question 51767, whether China General Nuclear still remains a shareholder of NNB.

Graham Stuart: China General Nuclear has a 20 percent stake in the Sizewell C project. The Government has been in commercial negotiations on the project since January 2021. No decision, including on a final configuration of investors, has been made.

Electricity and Heating: Rural Areas

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how rural (a) businesses and (b) households that use (i) kerosene and (ii) generators for (A) heating and (B) electricity will be able to access the financial support made available by his Department in winter 2022.

Graham Stuart: The Government is working at speed to deliver support for off-grid consumers and will publish details shortly. Households not on standard gas or electricity contracts – such as some living in park homes or on heat networks - will receive support equivalent to both the Energy Price Guarantee and the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Equivalent support to the Energy Bills Relief Scheme will also be provided for non-domestic consumers who use heating oil or alternative fuels instead of gas. Further detail on this will be announced shortly.

District Heating: Price Caps

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department will provide equivalent support for heat network customers as if being offered by the domestic price cap freeze for the next 2 years.

Graham Stuart: The Government recognises the need to provide support to domestic consumers of heat networks. The Government is working to develop the appropriate mechanism to implement after March. Further details will be announced in due course.

Energy Bills Rebate

Victoria Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when his Department expects to provide the additional payment of £100 to households who are not able to receive support for their heating costs through the Energy Price Guarantee to compensate for the rising costs of alternative fuels such as heating oil as announced on 21 September 2022.

Graham Stuart: The details of when this payment will be made will be confirmed shortly. The Government is committed to delivering this support to customers as quickly as possible.

Energy Bills Rebate

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the £400 energy bill discount will be payable to people who live in a Managed Independent Living retirement complex where each apartment has its own electricity meter, where each tenant pays their share of the electricity bill for the building and where gas is charged according to the square footage of each apartment, with electricity and gas quarterly bills paid to the Trust which manages that complex.

Graham Stuart: Only those with their own contract with a supplier are eligible for the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme payments over this winter. On 29 July, the Government announced additional funding for households not eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the details of this support will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fuel Oil: Prices

Victoria Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what medium his Department plans to use to provide the additional payment of £100 to households who are not able to receive support for their heating costs through the Energy Price Guarantee to compensate for the rising costs of alternative fuels such as heating oil as announced on 21 September 2022.

Graham Stuart: Households in Great Britain eligible for these payments will receive £100 as a credit on their electricity bill this winter. Households who are eligible for but who do not receive Alternative Fuel Payment or the £100 heat network payment, because they do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier for example, will receive the £100 via the Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund, which will be provided by a designated body. The Government will confirm details of the AFP Alternative Fund shortly.

Fuel Oil: Price Caps

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in the context of the support being offered to households for gas and electricity costs, if he will take steps to cap the price retail consumers pay for heating oil.

Graham Stuart: The Government has no plans to introduce a price cap on alternative fuels.

Energy: Prices

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to extend financial support to assist with the rising cost of energy to households reliant on off grid heating.

Graham Stuart: The Alternative Fuel Payment will provide a one-off payment to UK households that use alternative fuels for heating, such as heating oil. This will come in addition to the £400 provided by the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the electricity component of the Energy Price Guarantee. The Government is also providing £800 of one-off support to eight million of the most vulnerable households to help with the cost of living.

Heating: Costs

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the comparative affordability of heating in winter 2022 for (a) on grid and (b) off grid households.

Graham Stuart: The price of heating oil is estimated to have risen by around 147% in the year to October 2022. A payment of £100 will effectively limit the increase in heating costs to 130%, in line with the benefit offered by the Energy Price Guarantee for customers on mains gas.

Disclosure of Information: Protection

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing stronger protection for whistle-blowers, as proposed by Compassion in Care in their campaign for Edna’s Law; and what steps he is taking to support whistle-blowers.

Dean Russell: The Government values the important contribution whistleblowers make when they shine a light on wrongdoing. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 gives legal protection to those who speak up in the public interest. The Government has made numerous improvements to the whistleblowing framework. This includes extending protections to student nurses and midwives, regularly updating the list of prescribed persons, and introducing a legislative requirement for most prescribed persons to produce an annual report on whistleblowing disclosures they receive. The Government has committed to review the whistleblowing framework. We are considering the scope and timing of this review.

Department of Health and Social Care

General Practitioners: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has provided additional (a) financial and (b) other support to help tackle (i) patient backlogs and (ii) increased workloads in GP surgeries in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Capacity: Equality

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 12 October to Question 55038, on Mental Capacity: Equality, if her Department will conduct an equality impact assessment on the operation of Deprivation of Liberty Orders.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of how effectively the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is responding to current pressures; and in what circumstances the Trust would take emergency measures, such as requesting military support.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Worsley and Eccles South

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Hornsey and Wood Green

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Hornsey and Wood Green constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health: Hornsey and Wood Green

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Hornsey and Wood Green constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Food and Hygiene: Standards

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to maintain high standards on business (a) hygiene and (b) food safety in the result of associated regulations being removed.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Schools

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the policy paper entitled Our plan for patients, published by her Department on 22 September 2022, if she will publish further information on the strengthened and expanded mental health support in schools.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Memory Clinics

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the date by which the number of assessments carried out by Memory Assessment Services in England will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures: Licensing

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress her Department has made on bringing forward legislative proposals to amend the licensing requirements for cosmetic procedures.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Ilford North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dementia

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans she has to record and publish data on dementia sub-type prevalence in England.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Ilford North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in Putney constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Putney constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Standards

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to ensure that the recommendations of the Francis Report are still implemented in local NHS organisations.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Temperature

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the context of recent record-high temperatures, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on taking steps to prevent temperature-related deaths.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Putney constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Stretford and Urmston

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Stretford and Urmston constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Rare Diseases: Health Services

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many applications have been made to form Rare Disease Collaborative Networks in the last 12 months.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Worsley and Eccles South

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Putney constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Hornsey and Wood Green

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of care homes were rated as good by the Care Quality Commission in Hornsey and Wood Green constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Blackburn

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of GPs in Blackburn.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Blackburn

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps her Department is taking to help tackle NHS workforce shortages in Blackburn constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Exeter

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Exeter constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Streatham constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Ilford North constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of full-time equivalent fully qualified GP's, practicing in Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle constituency in (a) the most recent period for which data is available, and (b) 2013.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Storage

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many civil servants in his Department are employed to manage the storage of Personal Protective Equipment overseas.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Ilford North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Stretford and Urmston

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in Stretford and Urmston constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Greater London

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to reduce waiting times for elective surgeries at each healthcare trust in southeast London.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Public Health: Rural Areas

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason public health grant funding per person is often less in rural local authorities.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Chesterfield constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Complaints

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to ensure that the scoping process for reviewing complaints about complex cases (a) is improved and (b) involves the complainant.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Services: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Chesterfield constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Stockton North

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Stockton North constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has provided additional (a) financial and (b) other support to help tackle (i) patient backlogs and (ii) increased workloads in GP surgeries in Putney constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Rare Diseases: Drugs

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the England Rare Diseases Action Plan 2022, what estimate she has made of when NHS England and NHS Digital will publish the annual report on uptake of drugs for patients with rare diseases.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Exeter

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Exeter constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Stockton North

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Stockton North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Rare Diseases: Health Services

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department will allocate funding to support the establishment and operation of Rare Disease Collaborative Networks in the 2023 Rare Disease Action Plan.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Stockton North

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Stockton North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Streatham constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Rural Areas

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to address rural workforce shortages.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Ilford North constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Hammersmith

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for a tooth extraction due to decay in Hammersmith constituency in each of the last five years.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has provided additional (a) financial and (b) other support to help tackle (i) patient backlogs and (ii) increased workloads in GP surgeries in Chesterfield constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Stockton North

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Stockton North constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Ealing North

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the proportion of GP appointments in Ealing North conducted face-to-face in the past 12 months; and what that figure was in 2013.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the proportion of GP appointments in Wirral South constituency conducted face-to-face in the past 12 months and what the figure was in 2013.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Birmingham Yardley

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Birmingham Yardley constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity: Health Services

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the terms of reference of the internal review of the obesity strategy will be.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in Chesterfield constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of GP appointments that took place in Wirral South constituency (a) in the past 12 months and (b) in 2013.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity: Health Services

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if it remains her policy to allocate £100 million funding toward for weight management services in 2023 and 2024.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Nottingham South

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Nottingham South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Hammersmith

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of GP practices open in Hammersmith constituency. today and what the number was in 2013.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of FTE Fully qualified GPs, excluding GPs in Training Grade, practicing in Wirral South in (a) 2013 and (b) on 11 October 2022.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Portsmouth South

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Portsmouth South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in Ilford North constituency.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of GP practices open in Wirral South constituency in (a) 2013 and (b) 11 October 2022.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Stretford and Urmston

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Stretford and Urmston constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Workers

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data her department collects on regional and local variation in caseloads for social workers.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Life Expectancy: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in the level of healthy life expectancy in Wirral South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has provided additional (a) financial and (b) other support to help tackle (i) patient backlogs and (ii) increased workloads in GP surgeries in Ilford North constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Polio: Vaccination

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to encourage parents in London to vaccinate their children against polio.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Nottingham South

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Nottingham South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dementia: Diagnosis

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to increase the level of dementia diagnosis rates in England to the the national target of 66.7 per cent.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Easington

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Easington constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Ealing North

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Ealing North constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Psilocybin

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment has she made of the potential (a) medical, (b) research and (c) mental health uses for psilocybin.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Monkeypox: Vaccination

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what percentage of eligible sexual health clinics have received funding of £15 per dose of monkeypox vaccine delivered.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Hammersmith

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of GP surgeries were rated as good by the Care Quality Commission in Hammersmith constituency as of September 2022.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Hove

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Hove constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Life Expectancy: Females

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to (a) improve life expectancy for women in the UK and (b) tackle disparities in life expectancy between women living in affluent areas and those living in deprived areas.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Batley and Spen

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Batley and Spen constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health: Disadvantaged

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Health Inequalities Action Group report entitled On Faith, Place and Health: Harnessing the Power of Faith Groups to Tackle London’s Health Inequalities, published in October 2022, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of that report's findings; and if she will respond to that report's recommendations.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Standards

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2022 to Question 54662 on General Practitioners: Standards, whether it is her expectation that the two week target is measured from the first time that a patient requests an appointment.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Soft Drinks: Taxation

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer on the 28 September 2022 to Question 51481, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of repealing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Life Expectancy: Easington

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in the level of life expectancy in Easington constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Diabetes: Hammersmith

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with diabetes in Hammersmith constituency. in each of the last five years.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Eltham

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Eltham constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

HIV Infection: Hammersmith

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with HIV in Hammersmith constituency in each of the last 5 five years.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

HIV Infection: Ealing North

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with HIV in Ealing North in each of the last 5 five years.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Eltham

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Eltham constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Portsmouth South

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Portsmouth South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Birmingham Yardley

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care,  what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Birmingham Yardley constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Exeter

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Exeter constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Eltham

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Eltham constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Ealing North

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for tooth extraction due to decay in Ealing North in each of the last five years.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for a tooth extraction due to decay in Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle in each of the last five years.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health Services: Portsmouth South

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Portsmouth South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Chronic Illnesses: Medical Treatments

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the number of private patients with long-term health conditions who have been unable to undertake (a) treatments and (b) therapies due to the cost of living; and if she will make a statement.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Worsley and Eccles South

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Meat: EU Law

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the proposals contained in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 to set a date for the assimilation or repeal of remaining retained EU law, if she will take steps to ensure that standards on the accepted use of contaminants on meat, such as chlorine, in the UK are maintained after that date.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Services: Easington

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Easington constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Breast Cancer: Portsmouth South

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of breast cancer screening in Portsmouth South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Services: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Patient Choice Schemes

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans she has to expand and measure the uptake of patient-initiated follow-up across the health system beyond March 2023 as set out in the NHS’s elective recovery plan published in February 2022.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Services: Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Nottingham South

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Nottingham South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Stretford and Urmston

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Stretford and Urmston constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Integrated Care Systems

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she will take to incentivise the implementation of shared decision making across Integrated Care Systems.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Rural Areas

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the publication Delivering for rural England: the second report on rural proofing, published 3 September 2022, what specific submissions her Department made to help inform the report; and if she will publish (a) those submissions and (b) the minutes from meetings discussing Departmental contributions to that report.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Birmingham Yardley

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Birmingham Yardley constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Hove

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Hove constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of shared decision in supporting greater action on prevention and health inequalities as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Portsmouth South

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Portsmouth South constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders: Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Streatham constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mental Health: Children

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to (a) promote and (b) implement the guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence entitled Social, emotional and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education, NG223, published on 6 July 2022.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Royal Berkshire Hospital: Construction

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress her Department has made with Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust on plans to rebuild the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Patient Choice Schemes

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Statement of 5 September 2022 on DHSC Update, HCWS291, how she plans to measure progress towards the commitment to offer all patients a choice of provider at the point of GP referral by April 2023; what plans she has to publicise the offer to all patients from April 2023; and whether the adequacy of the level of choice being offered to patients will be monitored.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS England: Staff

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Statement of 5 September 2022 on DHSC Update, HCWS291, for what reason a searchable organogram for NHS England was not published by the end of September 2022 as planned; and when she expects that organogram to be published.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Software

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Statement of 5 September 2022 on DHSC Update, HCWS291, what information she plans to make available to patients through the NHS App to support their choice of provider at the point of GP referral; and what types of provider she plans to include.

Robert Jenrick: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Monkeypox: Vaccination

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the 100,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine arriving in September 2022 will be used to provide (a) first doses for those not yet vaccinated and (b) second doses for those who have already received a first dose.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Smoking

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department plans to take steps to achieve a smoking-free target by 2030.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of residential care homes that have closed in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency since 2015.

Neil O'Brien: The Care Quality Commission records care homes which have closed as ‘deactivated’. Since 2015, three nursing homes and one residential home in Lancaster and Fleetwood have been deactivated. The ‘deactivated’ locations exclude care homes where the provider continues to operate under a new, separate registration, which may be due to a change in legal entity or provider.Some care homes have both types of care home service with nursing and care home service without nursing and in these cases, the home is classified as a nursing home. A residential home is a care home service without nursing.

Care Homes: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of residential care homes that have closed in Chesterfield constituency since 2010.

Neil O'Brien: The Care Quality Commission records care homes which have closed as ‘deactivated’. Since 2010, two nursing homes and 19 residential homes Chesterfield have been deactivated. The ‘deactivated’ locations exclude care homes where the provider continues to operate under a new, separate registration, which may be due to a change in legal entity or provider.Some care homes have both types of care home service with nursing and care home service without nursing and in these cases, the home is classified as a nursing home. A residential home is a care home service without nursing.

Heart Diseases: Surgery

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the longest waiting time was for a heart operation in NHS England in the last 12 months.

Robert Jenrick: The information is not available in the format requested.

Care Quality Commission

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what personal data the Care Quality Commission is authorised to share with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

Will Quince: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) may lawfully share information, including personal data, with Home Office Immigration Enforcement where doing so is necessary for the exercise of the functions of either organisation and is in the overall public interest. Decisions on such disclosures are made on a case-by-case basis and the CQC’s primary consideration in making any disclosure is to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of people who use the health and social care services it regulates.In considering a request to disclose personal data, the CQC will take into account provisions under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, section 79, which sets out cases where the CQC may disclose information, data protection legislation, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the CQC’s Code of Practice on confidential personal information published in accordance with section 80 of the 2008 Act.The CQC will not share personal data of people who use the services it regulates for immigration enforcement purposes other than in exceptional circumstances. Disclosure of personal data of people who use regulated services without the most significant justification is likely to be disproportionate and to damage trust in the confidentiality of health and social care service and in the CQC as a regulator. The CQC may share information and intelligence, including personal data of registered persons and their employees, where it has concerns that a care provider is employing people not legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom.

Electronic Cigarettes: Advertising

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the independent review report entitled the Khan review: making smoking obsolete, published on 9 June 2022, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the proposal in that report to modify advertising rules so vaping products can be promoted as a less harmful product.

Dr Caroline Johnson: We are considering the recommendations made in ‘The Khan review: making smoking obsolete’, including measures to help smokers switch to vaping such as introducing positive messaging through pack inserts and amending front of packet labelling on nicotine vaping products. The Department will continue to gather evidence on the potential merits of these measures and further information will be available in due course.

Dental Services: Nottingham South

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Nottingham South constituency.

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of provision of NHS dental services in Nottingham South constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Nottingham South. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Nottingham South. The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Dental Services: Eltham

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Eltham constituency.

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Eltham constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, in September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Eltham. The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Mental Health Services

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) local authorities and (b) integrated care boards in meeting the requirements of Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department is currently working with local authorities, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, NHS England and service users on national guidance to ensure greater clarity on the sharing of budgets and responsibilities for section 117 aftercare.

Dental Services: Putney

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Putney constituency.

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Putney constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Putney. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Putney. The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

NHS: Complaints

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to use data from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to help improve complaints handling across the NHS.

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to help ensure effective local oversight of complaints management in the NHS, in order to help reduce the number of complaints being referred to the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman.

Will Quince: The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) makes the final decision on National Health Service complaints where it has not been resolved locally and the matter has been escalated to the PHSO. Where the PHSO identifies opportunities for learning, they provide recommendations directly to the relevant NHS organisation to improve complaints handling. The Department has worked with the PHSO on the pilot of the NHS Complaints Standards which aim to support NHS organisations in providing a quicker and simpler complaint handling service, with a focus on early resolution which would prevent escalation to the PHSO. The Standards also emphasise the importance of senior leaders regularly reviewing what can be learned from complaints and how this should be used to improve services.

Coronavirus: Schools

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2022 to Question 22411 on Coronavirus: Schools, (a) when in October 2022 she expects to receive the findings of the Rapid Covid-19 Air Disinfection Study; (b) whether she will place in the Library of the House of Commons copies of such presentations as she or the Secretary of State for Education intend to share with school leaders and teachers; and (c) what arrangements she has made to share the findings with trade unions representing teachers and also trade unions representing other school staff.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Rapid Covid-19 Air Disinfection Study plan to share interim results with the UK Health Security Agency and the Department for Education shortly. The results will subsequently be published in peer reviewed journals. While there are no current plans to share findings with any third parties at present, results will be made available to school leaders, teachers, trade unions and all other interested parties in due course.

Dental Services: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Lancaster and Fleetwood. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Lancaster and Fleetwood.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Disability: Labelling

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make it her policy to work with Cabinet colleagues to require disability signage to include an upright stick figure on signage to raise awareness of hidden disabilities; and if she will make a statement.

Dr Caroline Johnson: We have no current plans to do so. In 2019/20 the Cabinet Office’s Disability Unit, the British Standards Institute and other stakeholders considered the development of a new non-visible disability sign. However, agreement was not reached at that time and there are no current plans for further development.Under the Equality Act 2010, certain organisations, such as those providing health and social care for disabled people, must make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers which may be experienced by disabled people, including in relation to signage.

Dental Services: Worsley and Eccles South

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of NHS dentist provision in Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Worsley and Eccles South. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Worsley and Eccles South. The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Malnutrition

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the levels of malnutrition in the UK.

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of malnutrition in Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle constituency.

Dr Caroline Johnson: No specific assessment has been made.

Hospitals: Mental Health Services

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to help ensure that hospitals are complying with Paragraph 20.20 of the Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has a duty under the Mental Health Act 1983 to monitor how services exercise powers and discharge duties in relation to people subject to the Act. The CQC visits and interviews people currently detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act and where areas of concern are identified, it requires actions from providers. The CQC has specific duties under the Act, including to review complaints and make proposals for changes to the Code of Practice. When monitoring the use of the Mental Health Act, the CQC has a specific focus on autism and learning disabilities and outlined its findings in ‘Monitoring the Mental Health Act’.We are investing in community services to reduce the number of autistic people admitted into mental health inpatient facilities, as set out in ‘The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026’ and the ‘Building the Right Support Action Plan’. The national autism strategy was updated in July 2021 and was supported by over £74 million in the first year to improve understanding in society, reduce diagnosis waiting times and improve access to high quality health and social care for autistic people, including funding to reduce numbers in mental health hospitals.‘Building the Right Support’ aims to reduce overall reliance on mental health inpatient care for autistic people and people with a learning disability by strengthening community support. The ‘Building the Right Support Action Plan’ brings together actions across the Government and public services to implement these aims.

Monkeypox: Vaccination

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason she has decided not to procure additional doses of the monkeypox vaccine.

Dr Caroline Johnson: We have procured sufficient vaccine to deliver the current vaccination strategy. The UK Health Security Agency’s expert advice, endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, is to offer two vaccine doses to a defined high-risk cohort of 111,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. Since August 2022, the use of fractional dosing, which is safe and equally effective, allows one vial of the vaccine to provide three doses and has become the default method of vaccination.

Smoking: Health Services

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost of smoking has been to the public purse in England in each year since 2019.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The information requested is not collected centrally. However, the independent ‘The Khan review: making smoking obsolete’ estimated that the annual of cost of smoking to society is £17 billion.

Electronic Cigarettes

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding her Department plans to provide to help tackle the sale of illicit vaping products in the upcoming Tobacco Control Plan.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department provides funding to local authorities to support of local trading standards activity and the enforcement of vaping regulations to address the sale of illicit products.We are currently considering the recommendations made in the independent ‘The Khan review: making smoking obsolete’, including tackling illicit tobacco and vaping products. Further information regarding the plan will be available in due course.

Tobacco

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the Government will fund the next Tobacco Control Plan for England.

Dr Caroline Johnson: No decisions have been made on the funding for a new Tobacco Control Plan for England. We are currently considering the recommendations made in the independent ‘The Khan review: making smoking obsolete’ and further information will be available in due course.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Shortages

Ian Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for how long she plans to keep the serious shortage protocols for hormone replacement therapy medicines in place.

Dr Caroline Johnson: The Department monitors the market and works with suppliers, which enables serious shortage protocols (SSPs) to be introduced, withdrawn, amended or extended to take account of changes in the supply situation. There are currently 14 SSPs in place to manage and mitigate medicine supply issues, which ensures that hormone replacement therapy products continue to be available.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Shortages

Ian Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to secure supplies of hormone replacement therapy medications for (a) Liverpool and (b) England.

Ian Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help ensure that hormone replacement therapy medications are available to people who have been prescribed it.

Dr Caroline Johnson: There are currently a limited number of supply issues for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products where alternatives remain available in England. We are working with suppliers and the National Health Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to maintain overall supply, including expediting resupply dates of disrupted HRT products and to fill supply gaps to prevent future shortages. Access to in-demand products has improved since Serious Shortage Protocols were issued for HRT products to limit dispensing to three months’ supply to maintain distribution and allow alternative products to be dispensed as necessary.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Liverpool

Ian Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the supply of hormone replacement therapy medications in Liverpool.

Dr Caroline Johnson: No specific assessment has been made. There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products available in the United Kingdom and while most remain in good supply, a range of factors have led to supply issues with a limited number of products. However, it remains the case that most HRT products are available, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Shortages

Ian Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of which (a) types and (b) brands of hormone replacement therapy medications are experiencing shortages in England as on 23 September 2022.

Dr Caroline Johnson: There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products available in the United Kingdom and while most remain in good supply, a range of factors have led to supply issues with a limited number of products. However, it remains the case that the majority of HRT products are available, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues.A list of all HRT products currently available for the National Health Service and those with no or limited stock is available at the following link:https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-hrt-products/

Dental Services: Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Streatham constituency.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Streatham constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Streatham. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Streatham.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Dental Services: Birmingham Yardley

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Birmingham Yardley.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Birmingham Yardley constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Birmingham Yardley. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Birmingham Yardley.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Sickle Cell Diseases: Analgesics

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence entitled Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in hospital, published on 27 June 2012, what recent assessment she has made of whether hospitals meet the guidance to (a) deliver pain relief to sickle cell patients within 30 minutes and (b) monitor patients beyond the first dose of pain relief.

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to ring fence (a) funding and (b) resources for staff who treat Sickle Cell patients.

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department is taking steps to help tackle (a) racial and (b) other stereotypes which are experienced by (i) black and (ii) other people with sickle cell disease.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. Specialist haemoglobinopathy teams and haemoglobinopathy co-ordinating centres are required to submit data via the Specialised Services Quality Dashboard on the percentage of patients given pain relief within 30 minutes of presentation with a sickle cell crisis, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidelines. The data does not include patients attending non-specialist haemoglobinopathy providers and further work is required to improve the accuracy of the data submission before it can be used to assess compliance. Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are now described as core competencies haematology medical curriculum. Health Education England (HEE) also provides e-learning which includes content on sickle cell disease. HEE, the Royal College of Pathology and the Royal College of Physicians have ensured this curriculum is deliverable to all four nations, in line with the General Medical Council’s standards. Haemoglobinopathy Coordinating Centres also provide network development, leadership, learning and education. Following the publication of ‘Our plan for patients”, the Department is reviewing its priorities on preventing ill-health and address health disparities.

Rare Diseases: Health Services

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department will consult with stakeholders to inform the development of the 2023 Rare Disease Action Plan.

Will Quince: There will be engagement with the rare diseases community on drafts of the 2023 Action Plan during the autumn. The Department also continues to engage regularly with stakeholders on rare diseases policy through the UK Rare Diseases Forum.

Dental Services: Exeter

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Exeter constituency.

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Exeter constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Exeter. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Exeter.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Dental Services: Hove

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Hove constituency.

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Hove constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Hove. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Hove.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Dental Services: Batley and Spen

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Batley and Spen constituency.

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS dentist provision in Batley and Spen constituency.

Will Quince: No specific assessment has been made. However, NHS England asked dental practices to return to full delivery of contracted activity from July 2022, including in Lancaster and Fleetwood. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Batley and Spen.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Podiatry: Buckinghamshire

Greg Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Buckinghamshire and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Hendon constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made on (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Blackburn constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Christian Matheson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in City of Chester constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) the level of podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in the Solihull constituency as of 10 October 2022 and (b) the potential impact of these vacancies on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Steve Double: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in St Austell and Newquay constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Warrington North constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Paula Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Liverpool Wavertree constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies may have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Bury South constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Hayes and Harlington constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) the level of podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Hemsworth constituency and (b) the potential impact of these vacancies on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of the number of podiatry vacancies in the NHS in Easington constituency; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of these vacancies on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Bath constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Liverpool Walton and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Northampton South and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of the number of podiatry vacancies in the NHS in Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport constituency; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of these vacancies on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS podiatry vacancies there were in Birkenhead as of 11 October 2022; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of these vacancies on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of (a) podiatry vacancy rates in the NHS in Rother Valley constituency and (b) the impact these vacancies will have on patient treatment for diabetic foot complications.

Robert Jenrick: The information requested is not held centrally.

Members: Correspondence

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when she will respond to the email sent to her predecessor by the Hon. Member for Chipping Barnet on 1 June 2021.

Robert Jenrick: We replied to the Rt hon. Member on 18 June 2021.

Surgery: Waiting Lists

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were removed from hospital waiting lists because their operation was cancelled due to a new (a) referral and (b) medical condition in the latest period for which data is available; and whether this is reflected in the waiting list data published by her Department.

Robert Jenrick: This information is not collected in the format requested.

Sterilab Services: Contracts

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department is currently in dispute with Sterilabs over PPE contracts.

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department is currently in dispute with Medco Solutions over PPE contracts.

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department is currently in dispute with Zest Trading UK over PPE contracts.

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department is currently in dispute with Agile Medical over PPE contracts.

Robert Jenrick: We are unable to provide the information requested as it is commercially sensitive.

Department for Education

Schools: Buildings

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 27 September 2022 to Question 51628 on Schools: Buildings, when he plans to publish full school level building condition grades for all construction types from the Condition Data Collection programme.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is aiming to publish school level building condition grades for each construction type collected in the Condition Data Collection programme by the end of the year.

Schools: Finance

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has had with school leaders on the adequacy of levels of school budgets in autumn 2022.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department continues to speak to a range of organisations representing Head Teachers and directly to Head Teachers themselves. Discussions have included school funding and build on the regular engagement the Department has already had.Overall, core schools funding, including funding for both mainstream and high needs schools, is increasing by £4 billion in 2022/23 financial year compared to 2021/22. This brings the total core schools budget to £53.8 billion. This means the total funding allocated to schools and high needs seeing a 7% cash terms per pupil increase in the 2022/23 financial year compared to the previous financial year.On 21 September 2022, the Government set out how businesses and public sector organisations, including schools, will be supported by the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. This will reduce how much schools need to spend on their energy, and give schools greater certainty over their budgets over the winter months.Any school which has signed a fixed energy contract since April 2022 will be eligible for support if, at the time they signed their contact, wholesale prices for the next six months were expected to be higher than the Government-supported price of £211/MWh for electricity, and £75/MWh for gas.For example, a school which uses 10 MWh of electricity and 22 MWh of gas a month and signed a fixed contract giving them a current monthly energy bill of about £10,000, would receive support based on the difference between expected wholesale prices when they signed their contract and the Government-supported price. For a contract signed in July 2022, this could be worth £240/MWh for electricity and £70/MWh for gas, meaning the school receives a discount of £4,000 per month, reducing their original bill by 40%.Support will also be available to schools on variable, deemed and other contracts.The details of the scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers.

Teachers: Migrant Workers

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of requirements for guarantors for rented accommodation to be based in the UK on the ability of schools to recruit trainee teachers from abroad.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is developing a range of online materials that can be used to help support those moving to England to teach. This will include practical advice on living in the UK, including finding accommodation and how schools can assist with the transition. The Department is engaging with schools and international teachers as we develop this offering to understand what support they need inside and outside the classroom to help them thrive in English schools.The Department has announced the bursaries and scholarships available to those starting initial teacher training in the 2023/24 academic year. The Department has made £181 million available to attract trainee teachers in high priority subjects, which is a £52 million increase on the incentives package we announced last year. This year, the Department has also extended bursary and scholarship eligibility to all non-UK national trainees in physics and languages. This means international physics trainees will be eligible for scholarships worth £29,000 and bursaries worth £27,000. Language trainees will be eligible for scholarships worth £27,000 and bursaries worth £25,000.This is part of a wider package of new measures to make teaching in England even more attractive to the best teachers and trainee teachers from around the world. This includes:a relocation premium to help those moving to England with the costs of visas and other expensesa new approach to recognising overseas qualifications so that high-quality teachers, wherever they are from, can come to teach in England.More generally the Department is driving an ambitious transformation programme to overhaul the process of becoming a teacher. From stimulating initial interest through world-class marketing through to the start of training. In October 2021, a new digital service, Apply for teacher training, was rolled out. This is a key milestone in the delivery of a more coherent, user-friendly application route. New data and insight from our services will also drive innovation with a view to boosting recruitment in priority subjects.

Extended Services

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of taking steps to provide more extra-curricular services and activities before and after the school day.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is committed to ensuring young people have access to high-quality extra-curricular opportunities during the school day as well as before and after.The Department has introduced a minimum expectation on the length of the school week of 32.5 hours (the current average) for all state-funded, mainstream schools. The Department expects all state-funded mainstream schools to work towards meeting this expectation by September 2023 at the latest. The Department wants to bring all schools in line with the current average as a minimum.In addition, before and after school activities can provide wraparound childcare, which is important for removing barriers for and supporting parents to work. The Department strongly encourages all schools to offer before and after school provision for their pupils. Schools should not refuse a request from parents to provide wraparound childcare without a reasonable justification, such as lack of demand.The Department supports a range of initiatives to expand access to high-quality extra-curricular activities through schools, such as:working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to all state secondary schools in Englandworking in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to help achieve the Government ambition of having 60,000 cadets in school cadet units by 2024investing in phase 3 of the Opening School Facilities programme which will see a national provider support schools to open their facilities in the evening’s, weekend’s and during the holidays to increase opportunities for young people to get active outside of the school dayinvesting over £200 million a year in our Holiday Activities and Food programme providing free holiday club places to children on benefits-related free school meals, as well as other vulnerable children, giving them a chance to enjoy extra-curricular activities and healthy meals during the longer school holidaysinvesting up to £24 million to continue our national schools breakfast programme until July 2023funding music, arts and heritage, which supports teaching within the curriculum and co and extra-curricular activities. The Department has invested over £714 million between 2016 and 2022 on a diverse range of music and arts programmes, over and above core school budgets, helping to ensure pupils of all backgrounds can benefit from theminvesting around £115 million per annum in cultural education over three years to 2025, through our music, arts and heritage programmes. In June, the Department also announced an additional £25 million capital funding for musical instruments.The Department is also working with DCMS to help schools ensure their pupils are getting the most out of the National Youth Guarantee, which expands access to youth provision and was announced as part of the Youth Review.

Schools: Public Consultation

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment the Government has made of the impact of the current Education Bill on local communities’ democratic input to the (a) governance and (b) curriculum of their local state schools.

Jonathan Gullis: The Government has undertaken detailed assessments of the policies within the Schools Bill, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1074679/Schools_Bill_impact_assessment.pdf.The Department knows that a high proportion of academy trusts already have some form of local governance arrangement. As set out in the recent Schools White Paper, the Department is continuing to discuss options with the sector to ensure all trusts benefit from local input.Academies and free schools have greater freedom in how they operate for areas such as the curriculum, but they are expected to teach a curriculum that is comparable in breadth and ambition to the national curriculum. Therefore, it is up to schools themselves to arrange opportunities for parents and the local community to input into the school curriculum.The Department expects all schools to be transparent about their curriculum. All schools are required to publish information in relation to the content of their curriculum on their websites annually, including how parents can obtain further information about that curriculum. The Department also plans to write to schools to clarify what the law permits regarding sharing curriculum materials with parents.The Academies Regulation and Commissioning Review is ongoing and is looking at the overall regulatory and accountability framework for multi-academy trusts in a fully trust-led system, including transparency.

Church Schools

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Education Bill on church schools.

Jonathan Gullis: The Government has engaged regularly with the Church of England, the Catholic Church, and other faith groups regarding the Schools Bill.The Bill includes academy specific legislation to ensure that academies with a religious character have, as far as possible, equivalent statutory protections as those that currently apply to maintained schools.The published Schools Bill: impact assessment can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-bill-impact-assessment.This provides an assessment of the policy and equalities impacts of the measures in the Bill.

Foster Care: Finance

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he will take steps to increase financial support to foster carers.

Kelly Tolhurst: Local fostering service providers are responsible for setting the allowances paid to foster carers and should review their rates each year and to set out a clear policy on what their foster carers can expect. Whilst these will vary in accordance with local need, they should cover the costs for caring for the child. The Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards, issued by the Secretary of State under the Care Standards Act 2000 (CSA), sets out the expectations that are placed on foster carers and their agencies: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192705/NMS_Fostering_Services.pdf. This includes that all foster carers receive at least the national minimum allowance (NMA) plus any agreed expenses to cover the full cost of caring for each child placed with them (standard 28). The National Minimum Allowance is uprated annually, most recently in April 2022.Foster carers also receive Qualifying Care Relief that is made up of two parts: tax exemption on the first £10,000 shared equally among any foster carers in the same household, and tax relief for every week a child is in their care.

Schools: Defibrillators

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an estimate of (a) how many schools currently have defibrillators and (b) how many schools are in areas where there is a lack of publicly accessible defibrillators; if he will publish information on school and community defibrillator provision to allow areas of deficit to be identified; and if he will take steps to ensure that every school will have a defibrillator by the 2022-23 school year.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department announced in July 2022 that all state funded schools in England would have access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the 2022/23 academic year. On 12 September 2022, the Department sent a survey to schools to determine how many AEDs exist across the school estate, and is currently analysing this information to procure AEDs where they are needed and to ensure that there are no gaps in access to these life saving devices. Each school makes a decision on whether to provide public access to AEDs. The Department has published guidance to support schools that wish to provide community access and is working with a number of charities to update this guidance. The Department will provide a written update in due course that will be laid in the libraries of both Houses.

Department for Education: Buildings

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many buildings are (a) owned and (b) leased by (i)  the Department for Education, (ii) Ofsted, (iii) Ofqual, (iv) the Education and Skills Funding Agency, (v) the Standards and Testing Agency and (vi) the Teaching Regulation Agency for use by staff of those organisations as of 10 October 2022.

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many buildings that are (a) owned and (b) leased by (i) the Department for Education, (ii) Ofsted, (iii) Ofqual, (iv) Education and Skills Funding Agency, (v) the Standards and Testing Agency and (vi) the Teaching Regulation Agency for use by staff have one or more solar panels installed as of 10 October 2022.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department (incorporating the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the Standards and Testing Agency and the Teaching Regulation Agency) does not own buildings for use by its staff. The Department, via the Government Property Agency as its asset manager, leases a total of thirteen sites (in multi-tenanted buildings) for use by its staff.Both Ofqual and Ofsted manage their own respective estates. They have, however, advised that they do not own any building for use by their staff. Ofsted lease seven sites in multi-tenanted buildings. Ofqual use the Government Property Agency as their asset manager and lease one floor in a multi-tenanted building.Two of the regional offices (Sheffield and Darlington) have photovoltaic (PV) panels that are not in operation, but works are underway to repair and update them. The department is currently undertaking a feasibility study to determine if PV panels can be installed at our London office.One of Ofsted’s leases, a Government Property Agency hub in Birmingham, has solar panels which are the responsibility of the landlord. Ofqual leases one floor in a multi-tenanted building, via the Government Property Agency. This does not have solar panels installed.

Secondary Education: Canterbury

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many year nine places are available in Canterbury as of 11 October 2022.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department does not collect or hold real-time data on school capacity or pupil numbers on roll, which would be needed to calculate how many year 9 places are available on any given date. The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities. Kent local authority will have further information on school places in the Canterbury area.

National Tutoring Programme: Easington

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much Government funding has been provided to schools in Easington constituency through the National Tutoring Programme in each month since the Programme was launched.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department does not hold information on tuition partners or academic mentors in the required format at constituency level.School-led tutoring grant allocations by school and local authority for the academic year 2021/2022 have been published at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1071234/School_Led_Funding_Publication_File_flat_values_v1.odsPayment information relating to school-led tutoring for the academic year 2021/2022 will be published by the Educational Skills and Funding Agency once the reconciliation process has been completed for that period.School-led tutoring grant allocations for the academic year 2022/23 have been published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-tutoring-programme-ntp-allocations-for-2022-to-2023-academic-year.

Extended Services: Expenditure

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the announcement in the 2016 Budget that HM Treasury would provide up to £285 million to enable a quarter of secondary schools to extend the school day, (a) how much and (b) to which schools was this funding allocated.

Jonathan Gullis: The longer school day programme announced in the 2016 Budget did not proceed as planned. Instead, my right hon. Friend, the former Secretary of State for Education, announced in February 2017 a new £415 million healthy pupils capital programme, and in October 2017 a £22 million essential life skills programme to fund extra-curricular activities in Opportunity Areas.On 28 March 2022, the Department announced as part of the Schools White Paper that all mainstream, state-funded schools should deliver a minimum school week of 32.5 hours by September 2023 at the latest, which is the current average, for all state-funded, mainstream schools.

Schools: Extracurricular Activities

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what (a) financial support and (b) guidance his Department provides to state schools on the provision and expansion of extra-curricular activities before, during and after school.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is committed to ensuring young people have access to high-quality extra-curricular opportunities.This is why we support a range of initiatives to expand access to high quality extra-curricular activities through schools, such as:working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to all state secondary schools in Englandworking in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to help achieve the Government ambition of having 60,000 cadets in school cadet units by 2024investing £19 million per year over the next three years to support schools to open their facilities to increase opportunities for sport and physical activity outside of the school day (evenings, weekends and school holidays)investing up to £24 million to continue the Department’s national schools breakfast programme for the next two yearsinvesting over £200 million a year in the Department’s holiday activities and food programme which provides free holiday club places to children on benefits-related free school meals, as well as other vulnerable children, giving them a chance to enjoy extra-curricular activities and healthy meals during the longer school holidays.To support schools, the Department has produced a new menu of evidence-based approaches which will help schools to make effective decisions about pupil premium and recovery premium spend. This will help schools to balance their funding across high-quality teaching, targeted academic support, and wider strategies, including those focused on extra-curricular activities such as sports, outdoor activities, arts, culture, and trips.The Department is looking to build on this foundation, going further to improve access to high-quality extra-curricular activities. The Department is exploring whether it can provide further guidance that will be helpful to schools, ensuring they can navigate the resources available to develop their extra-curricular offer and make these activities a success. We are also working with DCMS to help schools ensure their pupils are getting the most out of the National Youth Guarantee, ensuring that children and young people have offers available both inside and outside of school.

School Meals: Prices

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department gives to state schools on the action to take when a pupil seeks to purchase a school lunch but cannot afford to pay.

Kelly Tolhurst: As set out in Section 512 of the Education Act 1996, schools are legally required to provide food for pupils upon request. Schools are permitted to charge for any meals provided but must make these available free to those who meet the prescribed free school meal (FSM) eligibility criteria.Section 512ZA, as amended, gives schools the freedom to offer all pupils free meals, fresh fruit, milk, or other refreshments during the school day, regardless of family income. Schools are also free to make special offers to groups of children as they judge appropriate. Further information on this legislation is available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/512/2021-12-09.The department does not set a price for school meals, whether paid for or free. School governing boards are responsible for the provision of both free and paid for meals, and it is for them to decide on the price, depending on local circumstances.The department understands the pressures families are facing with the cost of living. The government is providing over £15 billion in further support, targeted particularly at those in greatest need. This package is in addition to the over £22 billion announced previously. This included an additional £500 million to help households with the cost of household essentials, on top of what we have already provided since October 2021, bringing total funding for this support to £1.5 billion.The department will continue to keep FSM eligibility under review.

Educational Institutions: Vocational Guidance

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to improve the provision of careers advice in educational settings.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is investing £30 million to support the improvement of careers programmes for young people across educational settings.In primary schools, the Department is introducing a new careers programme, targeting primary schools in disadvantaged areas. The programme will seek to inspire pupils about the world of work, and help children link what they are taught in the classroom to future jobs and careers.In secondary schools and colleges, the Department has adopted the eight Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, a careers framework based on rigorous national and international research. Over 4,200 schools and colleges are using the Benchmarks to develop and improve their careers programmes.We are strengthening the underpinning legislation. On 1 September 2022, the Department commenced new legislation that extends the legal entitlement to independent careers guidance to all secondary aged pupils in all types of schools. On 1 January 2023, the Department is strengthening the law so that all pupils have the opportunity for six encounters with providers of approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships, as they progress through school years 8 to 13.The Department is working with The Careers & Enterprise Company to complete the national rollout of careers infrastructure that is proven to accelerate performance against the Gatsby Benchmarks: Careers Hubs, digital support, Careers Leader training and an Enterprise Adviser Network. By August 2023, 90% of schools and colleges will be part of a Careers Hub. Over 2,170 Careers Leaders have been trained since training was launched in September 2018. Around 3,750 business professionals are working as Enterprise Advisers with schools and colleges to develop their careers strategies and employer engagement plans.The Department is strengthening quality and accountability. We strongly recommend that schools and colleges achieve external national accreditation through the Quality in Careers Standard. Ofsted inspectors assess the quality of careers education in all graded inspections.

Curriculum: Arms Length Bodies

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons his Department has decided to introduce a new curriculum arms-length body.

Kelly Tolhurst: Building on the success of Oak National Academy’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the department established a new arm’s length curriculum body, named after the Oak National Academy, on 1 September 2022. The curriculum arm’s length body will work with teachers across the country, giving them and their pupils access to high-quality digital curriculum resources which are free, optional, and adaptable. These optional resources will be available across the UK, helping teachers to deliver a high-quality curriculum.These resources will ensure high-quality lessons are available nationwide, for the benefit of all children.The department has produced a business case which further sets out our reasons for establishing a new arm’s length curriculum body. This will be published in due course.

First Aid: Education

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress his Department has made on the introduction of emergency life saving skills lessons in schools.

Kelly Tolhurst: Schools are now required to teach first aid as part of statutory health education. In this subject, pupils are taught how to deal with common injuries, call the emergency services, administer CPR and understand the purpose of defibrillators. To support teachers to deliver this topic the department published a first aid teacher training module, which was produced with expert input from St John Ambulance and Resuscitation Council UK. This module is freely available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-training-basic-first-aid. Many schools use organisations such as St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the British Red Cross to support delivery of the topic. The national curriculum for physical education (PE) also sets out that schools should teach water safety skills by the end of key stage 2 alongside compulsory swimming lessons. These include a requirement for children to be able to perform safe self-rescue in a variety of water-based situations. Oak National Academy, funded by the department, have also made virtual water safety lessons available. To further support schools, the government has committed to invest £30 million over the next three financial years, which will include a specific programme to improve provision of PE, school sport and physical activity in primary schools in England, including swimming and water safety.

Schools: Mental Health Services

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools and colleges have claimed a grant for training a senior mental health lead in each year since that grant was introduced.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department’s ambition was for around a third of all state schools and colleges to benefit from senior mental health lead training in the 2021/22 financial year as part of its commitment to offer this training to all state schools and colleges by 2025. Between October 2021 and 31 March 2022 8,280 schools and colleges had successfully claimed a grant, representing 35% of the total schools and colleges eligible to apply (out of 23,695).Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-provision.The Education and Skills Funding Agency has also published data on the number of senior mental health lead training grants paid to eligible schools and colleges. As of 31 July 2022, 930 grants had been paid to schools and colleges in the 2022/23 financial year.

Extended Services

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools established (a) wraparound and (b) holiday childcare as a consequence of the right to request policy introduced by his Department in 2016.

Kelly Tolhurst: The department encourages all schools to offer before and after school provision for their pupils, where they are able to do so. The department does not hold information on how many schools have established wraparound and holiday childcare as a consequence of the right to request policy.

Apprentices

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many apprentices have been funded by the Government in each of the last seven years.

Andrea Jenkyns: Government-funded apprenticeship participation from the 2015/16 academic onwards is shown in the table below:Academic YearLearner Participation2015/16 - Full Year899,3902016/17 - Full Year908,6602017/18 - Full Year814,7902018/19 - Full Year742,3902019/20 - Full Year718,9502020/21 - Full Year712,9902021/22 – August 2021 to April 2022, reported to date692,920 1) Figures are rounded to the nearest 102) Participation is a count of learners that participated at any point during the year. Learners undertaking more than one apprenticeship in a year will only be counted once. Further information on apprenticeship participation can be found in the apprenticeships and traineeships statistics publication. This can be accessed at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/apprenticeships-and-traineeships.

Education: Publishing

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the creation of a new curriculum arms-length body on existing educational publishers.

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the proposed arms length body on curriculum on educational resources.

Kelly Tolhurst: As an integral part of the process to set up Oak National Academy as an arm’s length body, with close regard to Cabinet Office guidance, the department produced a business case which included an assessment of potential market impact. This business case will be published in due course. Monitoring market impact will be a priority throughout Oak National Academy’s lifetime and will be factored into the arm’s length body’s ongoing evaluation and two-year review.

Children: Carers

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many people under the age of 18 received assessments from local authorities of their needs as carers in England and Wales in each of the last five years.

Kelly Tolhurst: Information on how many people, under the age of 18, who received assessments from local authorities of their needs as carers is not held centrally by the department.Information on factors identified at the end of assessment is collected in the annual children in need census, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/children-in-need-census.Factors identified at the end of assessment are factors which social workers record as relevant when a child is assessed as being in need of children’s social care services.The number of episodes of need, where being a young carer was identified as a factor at the end of assessment, is published in the annual characteristic of children in need. This data covers local authorities in England and is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/d345b9cc-aa39-4d21-a164-206a3e90c05cFurther information on the young carer assessment factor is included in the additional guide on the factors identified at the end of assessment. This information can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/977581/CIN_Additional_guide_on_the_factors_identified_at_the_end_of_assessment.pdf.

Pupils: Neurodiversity

Peter Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he plans to take to improve training and education for teachers on neurodiverse conditions.

Jonathan Gullis: The Department is committed to ensuring that all pupils can reach their potential and receive excellent support from their teachers. The Teachers’ Standards set clear expectations that teachers must understand the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which includes neurodiverse conditions. All trainees who achieve Qualified Teacher Status must demonstrate that they can adapt teaching to respond to the needs of all pupils.Once teachers qualify and are employed in schools, Head Teachers use their professional judgement to identify any relevant, necessary further training, including specific specialisms.To support all teachers in meeting these standards, the Department is implementing a golden thread of high-quality teacher training reforms which begins with initial teacher training and continues throughout teachers’ career progression. These reforms are designed to ensure teachers have the skills to support all pupils to succeed, including those with SEND.In addition, the Universal Services programme will help schools and the further education workforce to identify and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, including those with autism, earlier and more effectively.

Children's Social Care Independent Review

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the report of the Independent Review of children's social care published on 23 May 2022, whether the Department for Education will take steps to prioritise listening to care-experienced young people in implementing the sections of that report which relate to its work.

Kelly Tolhurst: The department is continuing to listen to the views of care experienced individuals as part of its response to the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care. Three individuals with experience of the children’s social care system will sit on the National Implementation Board and provide advice and challenge on the government’s overall plan to reform children’s social care. The department is also committed to hearing from care experienced individuals on specific policy areas including on a new National Framework for Children’s Social Care.

Schools: Swindon

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding schools in Swindon have received per pupil in each of the last 5 years.

Jonathan Gullis: The schools block funding allocated to schools from the 2018/2019 to the 2022/2023 financial year for Swindon local authority is as follows:Swindon Local AuthorityPrimary funding per pupilSecondary funding per pupil2018-19£3,735.80£4,894.862019-20£3,789.21£5,042.792020-21£3,986.98£5,259.992021-22£4,345.79£5,702.332022-23£4,460.37£5,872.04 Further information on school funding statistics can be found here:https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics.

Schools: Mental Health

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to (a) promote and (b) implement the guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence entitled Social, emotional and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education, NG223, published on 6 July 2022, in educational settings.

Kelly Tolhurst: As recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, the department has committed to offer all state schools and colleges a grant to train a senior mental health lead by 2025. This is backed by £10 million in the 2022/23 academic year, sufficient to enable up to two thirds of state schools and colleges to access training by April 2023. Over 8,000 schools and colleges, including over half of state-funded secondary schools in England, have taken up the offer so far.The NICE guidance also highlights the importance of identifying individual children and young people for targeted support based on their specific needs. As part of training senior mental health leads, senior leaders will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand the mental health needs of their student population and consider the range of in-school provision needed.To expand access to early support in schools and colleges, the department is increasing the number of Mental Health Support Teams, so they cover approximately 35% of pupils in England by 2023, with over 500 planned to be up and running by 2024. The teams work alongside and complement existing provision in schools and colleges, such as counselling services, to help ensure children and young people get the targeted support they need.The department is also funding a large-scale randomised control trial of approaches to improving pupil mental wellbeing in schools, to provide evidence on what works to support children and young people’s mental wellbeing and how it can be delivered effectively in a school setting. This will further inform schools on what approaches and interventions work in a school environment to improve wellbeing.

Families: Cost of Living

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of uniform payments for families, in the context of increases in the cost of living.

Jonathan Gullis: Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.No school uniform should be so expensive that pupils or their families feel unable to apply to or attend a school of their choice.In November 2021, the Department issued new statutory guidance for England on the cost of school uniforms, to ensure their cost is reasonable and secures the best value for money for parents.The guidance on the cost of school uniforms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms/cost-of-school-uniforms.The Department recognises that many people are worried about the impact of the increases in the cost of living with many households struggling to make their income stretch to cover the basics. It is therefore even more important that schools consider the cost of their uniform and follow the guidance to ensure best value for money for parents.

Children: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) Ofsted-registered childminders are working and (b) children aged (i) 1-3 and (ii) 4-11 are living in Chesterfield constituency; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of childcare provision in that constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) Ofsted-registered childminders are working and (b) children aged (i) 1-3 and (ii) 4-11 are living in the Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough constituency; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of childcare provision in that constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) Ofsted-registered childminders are working and (b) children aged (i) 1 to 3 and (ii) 4 to 11 are living in Slough constituency; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of childcare provision in that constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) Ofsted-registered childminders work in and (b) children aged (i) one to three and (ii) four to 11 live in Luton South constituency as of October 2022; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of childcare provision in that constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Kelly Tolhurst: A breakdown in the number of Ofsted-registered childminders who are working, and the number of children aged 1-3 and 4-11 by parliamentary constituency and local authorities requested, can be found in the attached table. Childminders are generally the most affordable and flexible form of childcare and form an important part of the broader childcare market.Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. At present, all local authorities report that they are fulfilling their duty to ensure sufficient childcare.61016 61245 61297 61430 table (xls, 51.5KB)

Children: Social Services

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the report of the Independent Review of children's social care published on 23 May 2022, if he will meet with the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam and Barnardo's to discuss (a) prioritising early intervention in children's social services and (b) improving outcomes for children in the care system.

Kelly Tolhurst: The department will be publishing a detailed and ambitious implementation strategy in due course, which will set out our approach to reforming children’s social care. We thank Barnardo’s for their ongoing engagement on children’s social care reform with officials in the department and welcome the opportunity to meet with the hon. Member for Sheffield Hallam and Barnardo’s later this year, following the publication of the implementation strategy.

Independent Reviewing Officers

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, relating to the Independent review of children’s social care if she will (a) publish all evidence and research to support the removal of Independent Reviewing Officers, (b) publish any plans around Independent Reviewing Officers being considered for different roles and (c) and if her Department has considered the conflict of interest between a child and their advocate when considering the removal of Independent Reviewing Officers.

Kelly Tolhurst: Independent reviewing officers (IROs) play an important part of the accountability mechanism for ensuring that children in care are supported appropriately by the local authority. They play an important role in quality assuring the care planning and review process for each child and to ensure that their current wishes and feelings are given full consideration.The department is fully committed to ensuring the voice of the child in care is listened to when services are being developed and delivered in taking forward our response to the Independent Care Review.The department will publish an implementation strategy later this year, which will set out how we will improve outcomes for vulnerable children and place the system on a sustainable footing.

Languages: Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much his Department spent on teaching (a) Punjabi, (b) Bengali, (c) Hindi, (d) Gujarati, (e) Urdu, (f) Sinhalese, (g) Tamil, (h) Pashto and (i) Dari in schools in England in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Kelly Tolhurst: Awarding organisations offering GCSEs and A levels are independent, and mostly not-for-profit organisations, with the exception of Pearson Edexcel which is profit making. They are not contracted to provide assessments for pupils in particular subjects. AQA offer a GCSE and A level qualification in Punjabi and Bengali, as well as a GCSE in Urdu. Pearson Edexcel offer a GCSE and A level qualification in Gujarati and Urdu and International GCSEs (IGCSEs) in Bengali, Hindi, Sinhalese, and Tamil. Cambridge International offer an A level in Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil. There are no qualifications available in Pashto or Dari. Awarding organisations are free to introduce qualifications in any GCSE or A level subject where they consider there to be a case to do so.It is up to schools to decide which languages are taught as part of their curriculum, both at primary and secondary school, and the government does not specify which languages should be taught or how to teach them.There has been no funding provided directly for the teaching of Punjabi, Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Sinhalese, Tamil, Pashto and Dari within the previous five years. However, the department has committed to establishing a network of language hubs, as per the Schools White Paper, and are considering ways in which we can support home, heritage and community languages as part of this.

Ministry of Justice

Witnesses: Video Recordings

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October to Question 54630, how many crown courts have used Section 28 pre-recorded video evidence to support trials.

Gareth Johnson: Section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 is in place in all Crown Court locations across England and Wales for vulnerable witnesses, and for intimidated witnesses who are victims of adult sexual offences and modern slavery offences. All Crown Courts have used Section 28 pre-recorded video evidence to support trials.

Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking with the Forced Marriage Unit to prepare healthcare practitioners for the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 coming into force in March 2023.

Gareth Johnson: On 28 April 2022, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 received Royal Assent and will come into force on 27 February 2023.We are working with all relevant government departments and bodies impacted by the Act to ensure that appropriate guidance is in place for all relevant practitioners ahead of implementation.

Prisoners: Personality Disorders

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he will publish the National Evaluation of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway.

Rob Butler: The National Evaluation of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway was published on 13 October 2022.

Prisoners' Release

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of escorted day release for people convicted of serious crimes on (a) public safety and (b) the welfare of those convicted.

Rob Butler: For offenders detained in prison, the Prison Rules provide for the temporary release of sentenced prisoners for specified purposes. By providing opportunities to work, learn and build family ties, temporary release from prison helps prevent offenders from returning to crime when they leave prison.Release on temporary licence (ROTL) will only take place after careful risk assessment and is subject to stringent conditions, which are robustly enforced. Prisoners breaching conditions can be immediately returned to prison, disciplined and may face re-categorisation to a higher security prison and refusal of subsequent ROTL applications.Where a Hospital Order is made by a court as an alternative to a prison sentence, the court may also impose a restriction order under section 41 of the Mental Health Act, if it considers it necessary to do so to protect the public form serious harm. While a section 41 restriction order is in force, patients are subject to special controls by the Secretary of State for Justice meaning the clinician treating the patient must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for Justice for certain key decisions, such as transferring the patient to a different hospital or allowing access to the community. This is to ensure that the patient is managed safely and that public protection is a priority in the patient’s progress through the hospital system.Decisions made in relation to leave are made following rigorous risk assessments that consider, among other things, the risk of harm posed by the patient to themselves and to the public.

Prisoners: United Arab Emirates

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Government has an agreement in place with the Government of the United Arab Emirates to allow British nationals sentenced in the United Arab Emirates to serve their sentences in UK prisons.

Mike Freer: The Prisoner Transfer Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates was signed on 24 January 2013 and entered into force on 2 February 2014. The agreement provides for the voluntary transfer of a sentenced prisoner and requires the consent of both governments involved, as well as that of the prisoner concerned.The full text of the agreement is available online on GOV.UK:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ts-no332015-ukuae-transfer-of-sentenced-persons

Department for International Trade

Department for International Trade: Visits Abroad

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many (a) special advisers and (b) other civil servants accompanied her on her visit to New York on 28 and 29 September 2022.

James Duddridge: The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Malawi: Trade Promotion

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she intends to appoint a Trade Envoy to Malawi.

Mr Marcus Fysh: Though there are no plans at present to add Malawi to the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Programme, the Department for International Trade is constantly reviewing suitable markets to identify where the appointment of a Trade Envoy can be of greatest benefit to the trade and investment aims of the UK.

UK Trade with EU: Telephone Services

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what accounts for the difference between the total number of calls to the Export Support Service between 1 April and 20 September 2022 implied by the percentage figures contained in the Answer of 28 September 2022 to Question 51514 of 1,925.5 calls and the 2,820 calls reported in the Answer of 28 September 2022 to Question 51512.

Mr Marcus Fysh: Any users which were not accounted for in the figures provided in the answer to Question 51514 either refused to provide their data or were not businesses, and this data is stored on separate systems. The number of calls received by the Export Support Service is reported using the supplier’s telephony system, which was used to answer Question 51512. The case outcome data is reported using the supplier’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, which was used to answer Question 51514. The difference between these figures is the number of calls logged on the telephony system, and the number of cases entered into the CRM system.

Defence Equipment: Thermal Gap Pads

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department is taking to ensure thermal gap pads produced in the UK and used in the production of military materials utilised by Russia, are not sold or transferred into (a) Russia or (b) third party country manufacturers of arms sold to Russia.

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what actions her Department are undertaking to ensure that UK companies do not sell or transfer data bus transformers utilised in fly-by-wire controls to Russia, or third-party countries military manufacturers supplying Russia.

James Duddridge: The UK, in coordination with key allies, has introduced several packages of increasingly hard-hitting sanctions that prohibit the supply of a wide range of goods and services, including the supply of components that could be utilised in Russian military equipment. This information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance/russia-sanctions-guidance (opens in a new tab). Our approach to decision-making is to focus on a rigorous forward-looking risk assessment before a licence is issued and to consider whether goods might be used in a way which is inconsistent with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, including the risk of items being used on contravention of sanctions.

Arms Trade: Gabon

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether her Department received notification of any arms export requests from the Government of Gabon in the last year; and whether any of those licences have been granted to that country.

James Duddridge: For the last reportable year of licensing statistics, which is 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, we did receive export licence applications for military goods for the Government of Gabon. However, in the same period, no export licences were granted for military goods for the Government of Gabon.

Department for International Trade: Staff

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many officials from her Department are based in each state of the United States as on 10 October 2022.

James Duddridge: As of 10 October 2022, the Department for International Trade maintains 151 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions based in the United States, as shown in the table below. This includes currently vacant positions.These officials are based in the British Embassy and Consulates General across the US.StateConsulate General/ EmbassyFTE StaffCaliforniaLos Angeles16San Francisco13FloridaMiami5GeorgiaAtlanta8IllinoisChicago20MassachusettsBoston13New YorkNew York46TexasHouston14Washington DCWashington DC16 Total151   UK Export Finance is co-administered with the Department for International Trade and employs one official based in Texas.

Hinduja Global Solutions: UK Trade with EU

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what was the cost to the public purse of (a) payments to Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. for the operation of her Department’s Export Support Service and (b) other costs associated with (i) the preparation of material for its knowledge bank, (ii) the promotion of the service to businesses and (iii) other work connected to the (A) establishment and (B) operation of the service between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2022.

Mr Marcus Fysh: The Export Support Service helpline was launched in October 2021. The preparation of material for its knowledge bank was carried out by DIT, and Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd (HGS UK) uploaded it to their system. The cost was included within the initial implementation period, with the total cost of implementation being £145,666. The total cost associated with the operation of the service in between October 2021 and 30 September 2022 was £1,002,158. DIT delivered a single marketing campaign to promote the Export Support Service helpline and Digital Enquiry Service. Paid marketing activity ran from October 5th 2021 until March 31st 2022, and the total cost is £925,327.

Trade Promotion

Sarah Green: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many international trade advisers operate in (a) South West, (b) South East, (c) London, (d) West Midlands, (e) East Midlands, (f) East Anglia, (g) North West, (h) Yorkshire and Humberside, (i) North East, (j) Scotland, (k) Northern Ireland and (l) Wales as of 12 October 2022.

James Duddridge: Please see the below breakdown of Department for International Trade (DIT) international trade advisers (ITAs) based on region:Southern England:South West - 25East of England- 21South East - 26London - 2 (DIT was asked to take some tough budget decisions in 2021-22 Financial Year and, given the greater density of businesses and other business support available in London compared to the rest of England, Ministers made the decision that the London ITA service would cease.)Midlands Engine:East Midlands - 23West Midlands - 36Northern Powerhouse:Yorkshire & Humberside – 24North West – 25North East – 10 ITAs are provided in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by the devolved governments.

TRIPS Agreement: Coronavirus

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she had made of the potential merits of including (a) covid-19 treatments, and (b) diagnostics in the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights waiver negotiation.

Greg Hands: The UK is engaging in the ongoing discussions taking place in the World Trade Organization, as Members consider extending the TRIPS Decision to COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. The UK approach will be evidence based.

Department for International Trade: Visits Abroad

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, which organisations she visited on her visit to New York on 28 and 29 September 2022.

James Duddridge: The details requested will be released as part of the Government’s existing transparency agenda. The estimated release date for the period in question is December 2022/January 2023.

Department for International Trade: India

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many officials from her Department are based in each state of India as of 12 October 2022.

James Duddridge: As of 12 October 2022, the full-time equivalent staff based in each state of India are as below. These figures include staff in UK Export Finance. STATESTAFF COUNTDELHI42MAHARASHTRA37KARNATAKA17TAMIL NADU6TELANGANA6WEST BENGAL5MAHARASHTRA4GUJRAT3PUNJAB & HARYANA2Grand Total122

Trade Agreements: Gulf Co-operation Council

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many responses her Department received to its consultation on the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council.

Greg Hands: I refer the Hon. Lady to the answer given to her by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for North East Hampshire on 22 February (121792).

Department for International Trade: Freedom of Information

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many freedom of information requests are awaiting a response from her Department.

James Duddridge: On 10 October, 35 freedom of information requests were awaiting response. One is overdue.

Department for International Trade: Visits Abroad

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the cost was for (a) flights, (b) accommodation and (c) food and drink for her visit to the Atlantic Future Forum and New York on 28 and 29 September 2022.

James Duddridge: The details of the costs requested will be released as part of the Government’s existing transparency agenda. The estimated release date for the period in question is December 2022/January 2023.

Trade Agreements: Australia

Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the ratification of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, when mutual recognition of legal qualifications between those countries will be introduced.

Greg Hands: The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications in professional services, such as legal services, including through supporting regulators’ work towards mutual recognition arrangements.Specifically in relation to legal services, the FTA sets up a legal services regulatory dialogue. The dialogue establishes structured engagement between the UK and Australian legal professions with the aim of addressing remaining barriers to practising law locally in each market such as those relating to requalification.It is our intention to ratify the FTA at the earliest opportunity so that businesses can reap the benefits.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Latvia: Politics and Government

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Latvian counterpart since the re-election of Prime Minister Krisjanis Karin on continued support for the Baltic States.

Leo Docherty: Latvian Parliamentary elections took place on 1 October and the Government is still being formed. The Prime Minister spoke with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins in the margins of the European Political Community summit in Prague on 6 October and congratulated him on his Party's success. The UK values the Baltic States as close security and defence partners through NATO and through the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Ukraine: British Nationals Abroad

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) secure the release of UK nationals who have been captured by (i) Russia and (ii) the self-declared republics in the Donbas region and (b) ensure adherence to the (A) Geneva Convention and (B) laws of armed conflict in those regions.

Leo Docherty: We are grateful to the Ukrainian Government's leading role in securing the release in September of five British Nationals who had been detained by Russian proxies in non-government held areas of Ukraine. Tragically, this was not the case for one of those detained, and our thoughts remain with the family of Paul Urey. We continue to call on Russia to comply with International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions, and refrain from exploiting prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political purposes.

Ukraine: Humanitarian Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of repurposing seized Russian assets to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Leo Docherty: As the Prime Minister (then Foreign Secretary) confirmed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in July, the UK Government is actively considering a range of options to permanently seize Russian assets which could be used to contribute towards the reconstruction of Ukraine. To date, the Government has committed £220 million of humanitarian assistance to support those affected by Putin's illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus: Sanctions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to increase the number of individuals sanctioned in Belarus.

Leo Docherty: Since 2020, the UK has imposed over 100 sanctions in response to the fraudulent elections, human rights violations, and repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus. We have also launched several packages of sanctions against those Belarusian individuals and organisations who are aiding and abetting Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, most recently on 4 July when we laid legislation in Parliament to extend the full force of recent Russia sanctions to Belarus by introducing new financial, trade and transport measures. We do not comment on any possible future sanctions.

Azerbaijan: Capital Punishment

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the execution of Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani forces; and if he will make a statement.

Leo Docherty: The UK Government is aware of the reports and has urged both parties to the conflict to thoroughly investigate all allegations of war crimes related to the long-standing dispute. On 6 October, the UK Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe highlighted UK concern over the reports and noted that the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office have launched an investigation. The UK Government remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts of international partners as they seek to secure stability and security in the region.

Serbia: Civil Society

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international counterparts to help mitigate the restriction of civil society in Serbia.

Leo Docherty: The UK works closely with international partners, Serbian officials and local organisations to support civil society in Serbia. In September, the UK and more than 20 other Embassies issued a joint statement expressing our full support for human rights defenders, civil society organisations and the LGBTIQ+ community. Through the Media Freedom Coalition, we have encouraged Serbia to take action where journalists and media organisations are at risk. We focus programme support on strengthening civil society through capacity-building, networking and by supporting grass-root organisations to engage at national and local government level.

Serbia: Demonstrations

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Serbia on attempts to prevent the EuroPride march from taking place in Belgrade in September 2022.

Leo Docherty: Working in close coordination with the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for LGBT+ rights, Lord Herbert, our Embassy was in frequent touch with the Serbian authorities and EuroPride organisers. The Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Sir Stuart Peach, and the UK Ambassador in Belgrade, raised our concerns at the highest levels with Serbian counterparts. The UK joined more than 20 states in a statement issued by Embassies in Belgrade, expressing our full support for members of the LGBTIQ+ community and pushing for the EuroPride March to go ahead.

Ukraine: Nuclear Power Stations

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with her international counterparts to help ensure the protection of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.

Leo Docherty: The UK is coordinating with key international partners, including the G7, to support the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety and security of Zaporizhzhia and other civil nuclear facilities in Ukraine. We call on Russia to restore full control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the competent Ukrainian authorities, and to allow the IAEA all necessary access to the site.

Montenegro: Human Rights

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support LGBT+ rights in Montenegro in response to the Serbian Orthodox Church's calls for an event to rival Montenegro Pride.

Leo Docherty: The Montenegro Pride march took place peacefully on Saturday 8 October with record attendance. The UK Ambassador to Montenegro and other Embassy staff took part in the march, which was sponsored by the Embassy. The UK consistently supports Montenegro's LGBT+ community, facilitating meetings between LGBT+ activists and political leaders as well as directly lobbying relevant ministers on issues such as improving implementation of Montenegro's Same Sex Partnership Law.

Russia: Disinformation

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to counter Russian disinformation in the Western Balkans.

Leo Docherty: The UK is at the forefront of international efforts to counter Russian influence in the Western Balkans. Through our programme funds, we are helping to strengthen the resilience of the region across areas such as cyber security, defence capacity building and countering disinformation. We have also supported the recent deployment of a military counter-disinformation expert to support NATO HQ Sarajevo in countering false Russian narratives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EU Countries: LGBT+ People

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to (a) protect and (b) advocate for LGBT+ rights in Europe.

Leo Docherty: Since 2018, the UK has committed over £13 million in programmes to support LGBT+ rights. In Europe, this has included targeted interventions to respond to hate crime in the Western Balkans, and support LGBT+ organisations in Poland, Hungary and Serbia.Within the Council of Europe, the UK have co-chaired the European LGBTI Focal Points Network, and have played an important role in establishing a new Council of Europe LGBT+ working group.As the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, Lord Herbert of South Downs works with our diplomatic network to respond to the challenges faced by LGBT+ people in Europe. Most recently, he met Ukrainian and Polish civil society organisations at the joint Warsaw-Kyiv Pride, and supported efforts to ensure a successful EuroPride in Belgrade.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2022 to Question 53317, on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, which stated that the payment of £2,360 to Finishing Touches on 15 November 2021 related to maintenance and replacement of furnishings and fittings at an official office in Gibraltar, and the Answer of 11 October 2022 to Question 53319, on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, which stated that the payment was subject to normal FCDO controls and in line with government procurement card policy, (a) for what reason that payment is instead listed in his Department's published transparency data under the merchant category ‘Barber and Beauty Shops’ with a location in Great Britain rather than the category and location provided in the Answer to Question 53317, and (b) what assessment he has made of the reason for this error occurring given that the payments were subject to normal FCDO controls.

Jesse Norman: The Merchant Category Codes (MCC) and location set out in the transparency data are determined by the credit card provider; in this case they do not match the transaction details. The merchant and their acquirer are responsible for assuring the MCC assigned. We have reported this anomaly to our card issuer, who should report it to the card acquirer. When these transactions are approved in FCDO systems, officials are not provided with the MCC but see the merchant's name, date, and the value, which were known to be correct. An incorrect MCC has no bearing on the validity of the transaction.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support peace, stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Leo Docherty: The UK fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) remains vital. We are working hard to secure its mandate in the UN Security Council and prevent a security vacuum. We have led efforts at NATO to develop a new package of measures to support BiH, including support to the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo to counter disinformation, and are delivering training and capacity building to the BiH Armed Forces. In April, we imposed UK sanctions on Member of the Presidency, Milorad Dodik, and Republika Srpska President, Zeljka Cvijanovic, for their attempts to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina's integrity, legitimacy and functionality.

Iran: Females

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make a statement on women's rights protests in Iran.

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to raise the issue of women's rights protests in Iran with his foreign counterparts.

Gillian Keegan: The violence levelled at protestors in Iran by the security forces is truly shocking. On 3 October the Foreign Secretary instructed the FCDO to summon Mehdi Hosseini Matin, Iran's most senior diplomat in the UK, over the Iranian authorities' violent crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. At the meeting the UK Government made its position clear: instead of blaming external actors for the unrest, the Iranian authorities should take responsibility for their actions and listen to the concerns of their people.The UK will continue to work with its partners to hold the Iranian authorities to account for their flagrant violations of universal human rights. On Monday 10 October, the UK announced sanctions on the Morality Police and two of its leaders. The UK also imposed sanctions on five other leading political and security officials for committing serious human rights violations in Iran. These sanctions send a clear message to the Iranian authorities that the UK will hold it to account for its repression of women and girls and for the shocking violence inflicted on its own people.

Ukraine: War Crimes

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international counterparts to ensure that those who have committed war crimes against the people of Ukraine are (a) held accountable and (b) brought to justice.

Leo Docherty: The UK is working closely with partners to ensure those committing atrocities in Ukraine are held to account. The UK is providing a £2.5m support package to the UK/EU/US established Atrocity Crimes Advisory group in support of the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine to investigate war crimes. The UK led efforts to refer the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC), supported now by 43 countries. We contributed £1m to the ICC to increase evidence collection capacity. On 11 October, the Foreign Secretary met the ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, to discuss UK support.

Indo-pacific Region: Deployment

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, purusant to the Answer of 11 October 2022 to Question 53467 on Indo-Pacific Region: Deployment, how many personnel from (a) the Government and (b) his Department were deployed to the region in each year since 2010.

Gillian Keegan: The Integrated Review, published in March 2021, affirmed the UK's increased focus and long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is continuing to increase its presence in recognition of the importance of this region to UK interests. The UK's increased focus on the region is a whole of Government effort with many departments deploying staff onto the FCDO-led overseas platform which our posts in the region represent.PQ 30086 answered on 7 July provided details of UK-based personnel deployed by the FCDO (including officials seconded by other government departments via FCDO to UK posts in the region) to the Indo-Pacific region in each year since 2014. Data prior to 2014 is not held. The FCDO does not report on the specific numbers of staff from other UK Government Departments. Each UK Government Department is responsible for reporting on the deployment of their own staff.

Syria: Crimes against Humanity

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the report by the Association of Detainees and The Missing in Sednaya Prison entitled The Administrative Structure and Organizational Ties of Sednaya Prison, published October 2022, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies that crimes against humanity may be being carried out against detainees in Sednaya Prison.

Gillian Keegan: We are closely monitoring the human rights situation in Syria, especially Sednaya. Our policy is clear; we condemn these violations. We have contributed over £14 million to help gather evidence and assist victims of human rights violations since 2012. We are the penholder for the Syria Human Rights Council Resolution, which highlights these issues and was last adopted in September. We use our position at the UN Security Council to draw international attention to ongoing human rights violations in Syria, including within prisons. At the Security Council this month, we will again urge the release of detainees and condemn these violations.

Iran: Travel Restrictions

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will impose a ban on all Iranian political, diplomatic and government officials coming to the UK, in the context of recent civil unrest in Iran.

Gillian Keegan: The Iranian authorities' mistreatment of protestors and journalists is a serious violation of human rights. The UK is committed to robustly holding Iran to account for its actions and on 10 October sanctioned the so-called Morality Police and seven individuals for serious human rights violations. Our ability to hold Iran to account is enabled, in part, by the UK-Iran bilateral relationship. On 3 October, we summoned Iran's most senior official in the UK to condemn the violent crackdown in Iran. Our diplomatic ties also enable discussion on other priority matters of UK national security, such as the Iran nuclear deal, Afghanistan and Iran's destabilising role in the Middle East.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 September to Question 47402, for what reason it would cost more than £800 to provide an answer as to the purpose of the payments made by his Department to the official Norwich City Football Club online store of (a) £1,318 on 21 October 2021, and (b) £523.50 on 21 March 2022.

Gillian Keegan: This payment was one of 46 questions submitted by the MP, which referenced more than 250 transactions in total. The resource required to collate this information would be above the disproportionate cost threshold. This spend relates to purchases of one of twelve different English Premier League kits purchased to support youth engagement projects overseas. The purchases were made following set guidelines to ensure they were appropriate and achieved value for money.

Mahsa Amini

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made representations to the Iranian authorities on the death of Mahsa Amini.

Gillian Keegan: The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran. On 3 October, the Foreign Secretary summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in the UK, to call for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and to condemn the subsequent violent crackdown on protestors. On 10 October, the UK sanctioned the so-called Morality Police, two of its leaders and five others for serious human rights violations. These sanctions send a clear message that the UK will hold the Iranian authorities to account for their repression of women and girls and for the shocking violence inflicted on their people.

Belarus: Press Freedom

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support press freedom in Belarus following the recent imprisonment of journalists in that country.

Leo Docherty: On 11 October, I [Minister Docherty] publicly condemned the harsh verdicts for those associated with independent news agency BelaPAN. We have been clear that nobody should be punished for honest and independent reporting. The UK Government has repeatedly called on Belarus to unconditionally and immediately release journalists who have been arbitrarily detained, and to hold to account those responsible for attacks on journalists. We raise our concerns publicly, through international fora, and in our bilateral discussions with the Belarusian authorities. We have been clear that continuing this repressive activity will only deepen the pariah status of the Lukashenko regime.

Ukraine: Military Aid

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps is his department taking to support Ukrainian authorities in the clearance of unexploded ordinance and landmines from recently liberated Ukrainian territories.

Leo Docherty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a £2m agreement with the Halo Trust to clear unexploded ordinance and landmines from recently liberated Ukrainian territories. FCDO support has already funded HALO to clear 22,985 square metres of land. The UK-led multi-donor Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) has provided £2m to build the capability of the Ukrainian Special Emergency Services to undertake mine clearance and disposal. The FCDO is also funding the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and working closely with UNDP, the Ukrainian authorities, and other donors to strengthen national and sub-national demining capacity and coordination in Ukraine.

Sayed Nizar Alwadaei

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the report of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to the fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council, published on 21 July 2022, whether he has made recent representations to his Bahraini counterpart on the release of Sayed Nizar Alwadaei.

Gillian Keegan: We have noted this report and continue to follow and discuss the cases of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, Abduljali Al Singace and Hasan Mushaima, amongst others, with the Bahraini Government as well as with the independent human rights oversight bodies. We encourage those with concerns about their detention to raise them as necessary with the relevant oversight bodies.

Iran: Sanctions

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will impose Magnitsky sanctions on people responsible for human rights violations in Iran.

Gillian Keegan: The UK raises human rights on diplomatic channels at all appropriate opportunities, both directly with the Iranian government and alongside the international community at multilateral fora. The UK also maintains a robust sanctions regime targeting individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran. On 10 October, the UK designated the so-called Morality Police, two of its leaders and five others for serious human rights violations under the Iran Human Rights sanctions regime. This brings the total to 85 individuals and two entities sanctioned under that regime. A full list is available through Gov.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-sanctions-on-iran-relating-to-human-rights.

Syria: Detainees

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any (a) children with UK nationality and (b) other UK nationals are being detained in facilities other than Camp Roj and Camp Al Hol in North East Syria as on 10 October 2022.

Gillian Keegan: We are aware that there may be British children in IDP camps in Syria, who because of their age, are innocent victims of the conflict. We cannot comment on locations or numbers of British nationals for security reasons.There is no consular support available from within Syria to British nationals. However, the UK has been clear that we will consider requests for consular assistance on a case-by-case basis. The UK continues to facilitate the return of unaccompanied or orphaned children, where feasible, and subject to national security concerns and confirmation of nationality and identity.

Uzbekistan: Politics and Government

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Uzbekistani counterpart on the protests in Karakalpakstan in July 2022.

Leo Docherty: On 7 July, Lord Ahmad raised the unrest in Karakalpakstan with the Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister. We have been clear in our communications that the right to peaceful protest and respect for media freedom should be protected. In discussion of these events in multilateral fora, we urged the Uzbek authorities to adhere to their international commitments and due process, as they seek to determine the causes of the violent unrest. We continue to monitor developments closely.

Nigeria: Violence

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the impact of the closure of the Teacher’s Village camp in Borno State in Nigeria on the levels of sectarian violence in that country.

Gillian Keegan: The Teacher's Village camp was closed in January 2022 by Borno State Government, as part of a wider programme of camp closures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State. This has resulted in the further displacement of vulnerable people, many of whom are now in areas where the security situation is more volatile and resources are more likely to be unavailable or overstretched.We, alongside international partners, regularly raise these camp closures with the Borno State Governor and stress the need for IDPs to be supported in line with the Kampala convention. We also continue to support the Nigerian Government to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence across Nigeria.

Somalia: Humanitarian Aid

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will (a) make an assessment of the potential merits of restoring the UK’s humanitarian assistance to Somalia to 2020 levels, and (b) make an estimate of the potential impact on the number of deaths by starvation of that restoration.

Gillian Keegan: The UK is a major humanitarian donor to the East Africa region and UK-funded activities are making a difference and saving lives. In Somalia, to alleviate the impact of drought and address the risk of famine, since 1 April 2022, the UK has allocated £52.8 million in humanitarian, health and nutrition support.The FCDO is prioritising spending that is vital to protect against immediate threat to life and wellbeing, will prevent people falling into humanitarian need, or will prevent delays to accessing healthcare, primary education, sanitation and clean water. Humanitarian spending in Somalia falls into this category. Ministers will make any adjustments and final aid prioritisation decisions based on additional Official Development Assistance pressures this autumn.The current fiscal situation does not allow a return to 2020 levels of spending, but the UK remains committed to alleviating the impacts of drought and addressing the risk of famine in Somalia.

BBC News

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of merging BBC World News and BBC News Channel on the number of people in Africa who watch BBC news coverage.

Gillian Keegan: The FCDO strongly supports the BBC's role in bringing high-quality and impartial news to African audiences, including where free speech is limited.The BBC's proposal to merge BBC News and BBC World News forms part of their plan announced on 26 May to build a digital-first organisation, and means they will continue providing a 24-hour news channel for the UK and overseas.We recognise that in the current fiscal context, the BBC, like other organisations, is facing difficult financial decisions. However, the BBC is operationally and editorially independent from Government, and decisions on service delivery are a matter for them.

Central African Republic: Malaria

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to support efforts to reduce the number of children killed by malaria in the Central African Republic.

Gillian Keegan: Malaria is the leading cause of death for children under five in Central African Republic (CAR) as well as the leading cause of morbidity. Conflict has displaced over a quarter of the population and rendered them particularly vulnerable to malaria. In 2022 the UK's humanitarian programme in CAR totals just under £11 million and has a strong emphasis on healthcare. In addition to health specialist partners, such as UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UK funds the MENTOR Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation focusing on vector borne diseases such as malaria, as well as primary health care.

Government Departments: Wines

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the most expensive bottle of wine (a) purchased by and (b) consumed from the Government Wine Cellar this year.

Gillian Keegan: The most expensive bottle of wine (a) purchased by the Government Wine Cellar this year was a Ridgeview Blanc de Blanc 2016. The most expensive bottle of wine (b) consumed from the Government Wine Cellar this year was a Chateau Lynch Bages 2000.

Bahrain: Political Prisoners

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the report of the United Nations Secretary General, published on 14 September 2022, which names individuals Bahrain has subjected to reprisals, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of that reprisals' report; and what representations he plans to make to his counterparts in the government of Bahrain on (a) the individuals mentioned in that report to be provided with redress and (b) the immediate and unconditional release of (i) Abdulhadi  AlKhawaja, (ii) Abduljali AlSingace and (iii) Hassan Mushaima and (c) restoration of citizenship to Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei and the release of his brother in law Sayed Nizar.

Gillian Keegan: We have noted this report and continue to follow and discuss the cases of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, Abduljali Al Singace and Hasan Mushaima, amongst others, with the Bahraini Government as well as with the independent human rights oversight bodies. We encourage those with concerns about their detention to raise them as necessary with the relevant oversight bodies.

Members: Correspondence

Sir Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the timeliness of responses to correspondence from hon. Members.

Gillian Keegan: The FCDO receives the ninth highest volume of correspondence across Whitehall Departments. We have responded to 68% of ministerial correspondence within Cabinet Office deadlines in the last quarter compared to 48% for all government departments. We have reduced outstanding correspondence by 57% over the last 6 months. Following the significant and ongoing increase in correspondence received since 2020, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has begun a focused programme of work to streamline processes and improve response times to tackle the high volume.

Angola: Elections

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the elections of 24 August 2022 in Angola, what steps he is taking to help support the (a) safety and (b) freedoms of (i) opposition activists and (ii) members of civil society in Angola.

Gillian Keegan: The UK regularly engages with the Government of Angola to promote modern and progressive politics and to encourage all political parties to play a positive role in the democratic development of Angola. The UK works closely with the Government of Angola on a range of issues including promoting media freedom and improving access to education.

Sri Lanka: Refugees

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of Sri Lankan (a) adult and (b) child refugees who are on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Jesse Norman: There are 127 migrants, most of whom are Sri Lankan nationals, on the British Indian Ocean Territory. 25 are children.

Uganda: Ebola

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) assessment he has made of the risks of the Ebola outbreak identified in Mubende, Uganda on 20 September 2022, (b) support the UK is offering to assist Uganda in containing the outbreak and (c) discussions he has had with the UK Health Security Agency about the risks to the UK.

Gillian Keegan: On 20 September, the Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Mubende District, central Uganda. As of 2 October, there were 41 confirmed cases and 9 confirmed deaths across five Districts. The Government of Uganda is mounting a response. The British High Commission in Kampala is monitoring the outbreak closely; two officials visited Mubende on 29 September to assess the situation. It is also in regular contact with the Government of Uganda and international partners. FCDO Travel Advice is being updated regularly to reflect the latest situation.The UK contributed almost £10 million to support EVD preparedness in Uganda between 2018 and 2020, in response to a major outbreak in neighbouring regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has supported the Government of Uganda's current capability in responding to the current Ebola outbreak. The UK is discussing with the Government of Uganda and World Health Organisation the deployment of technical experts to support the response, including through the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to monitor and assess the risk of this outbreak to the UK public. UKHSA has established the Returning Workers Scheme as part of arrangements to protect and monitor the health of those who travel from the UK to Ebola affected areas for their work.

Government Departments: Wines

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many bottles of (a) port, (b) champagne and (c) sherry were consumed from the Government Wine Cellar in 2021.

Gillian Keegan: The following number of bottles were consumed from the Government Wine Cellar in 2021.(a) Port - 22(b) Champagne - 4(c) Sherry - 0

Balkans: Politics and Government

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has with the High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the stability of the Western Balkans.

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina following the elections held on 2 October 2022.

Leo Docherty: The UK supports the role played by the High Representative and his Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). We are in regular contact with him, including through the Steering Board of Ambassadors. In the absence of domestic political will, he has an important part to play in implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement and supporting the framework for a prosperous future. Following his imposition of a package of measures to improve the functionality of the Federation of BiH, domestic political actors must work together to implement the election results in a timely fashion and support the reforms needed for progress on BiH's Euro-Atlantic path.

Syria: Detention Centres

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding his Department will provide for detention facilities in North East Syria in the 2022-23 financial year.

Gillian Keegan: The UK Government have robust processes in place to ensure that projects funded by the UK meet our human rights obligations and values. This includes publicly available HMG guidance that sets out the human rights risks that must be considered prior to providing justice or security sector assistance.As said in the counter-Daesh statement to the House on 4 March 2021, as part of the Global Coalition's collective stabilisation efforts in the region, the UK has provided technical advice and funding for the improvement of detention facilities for Daesh fighters in NE Syria.It would not be appropriate to comment further for reasons of operational security.

Iran: Demonstrations

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with counterparts in the Iranian government on the killing of protesters in Summer 2022.

Gillian Keegan: The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran. The Foreign Secretary summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in the UK to call for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and to condemn the subsequent violent crackdown on protestors. The UK made clear that instead of blaming external actors for unrest, Iranian authorities should take responsibility and listen to concerns of their people.On 10 October, the UK sanctioned the so-called Morality Police, two of its leaders and five others for serious human rights violations. These sanctions send a clear message to the Iranian authorities that the UK will hold them to account for their repression of women and girls and for the shocking violence inflicted on their people.

Syria: Detention Centres

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment under the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance guidance of the funding his Department provided for detention facilities in North East Syria.

Gillian Keegan: The UK Government have robust processes in place to ensure that projects funded by the UK meet our human rights obligations and values. This includes publicly available HMG guidance that sets out the human rights risks that must be considered prior to providing justice or security sector assistance.As said in the counter-Daesh statement to the House on 4 March 2021, as part of the Global Coalition's collective stabilisation efforts in the region, the UK has provided technical advice and funding for the improvement of detention facilities for Daesh fighters in NE Syria.It would not be appropriate to comment further for reasons of operational security.

Balkans: Press Freedom

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure press freedom in the Western Balkans.

Leo Docherty: The UK is committed to media freedom in the Western Balkans. Independent media is essential to a functioning society and our Embassies in the region continue to raise violations of media freedom, including attempts to abuse journalists and spread misinformation, with the relevant authorities. We use the Media Freedom Coalition to encourage partner countries to take action where journalists and media organisations are at risk. We are also using our programming to support independent media, for instance through the ongoing 'Media 4 All' project and to counter disinformation in the Western Balkans.

Taliban: Peace Negotiations

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the meeting between Taliban officials and the American Central Intelligence Agency in Doha on 8 October 2022 on future western engagement with the Taliban.

Leo Docherty: Along with the US and other partners, we continue to engage pragmatically with the Taliban to deliver the Government's priorities on Afghanistan. This includes countering terrorism and other threats, human rights and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it.

Ukraine: Prisoners of War

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking in response to the further discovery of evidence of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war in the recaptured village of Pisky-Radkiviski in eastern Ukraine.

Leo Docherty: The UK, along with our G7 partners, has condemned the appalling atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Those responsible for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable and brought to justice. The UK has contributed £1 million to the International Criminal Court to support its capacity to collect evidence. The Foreign Secretary met the ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan KC on 11 October to discuss UK support. The UK is also supporting the Prosecutor General of Ukraine to investigate alleged war crimes in Ukraine, including through a £2.5 million support package.

Food Supply: Sustainable Development

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) tackle the underlying causes of food insecurity, (b) support sustainable food systems and (c) invest in (i) agriculture and (ii) food systems globally.

Vicky Ford: The FCDO tackles food insecurity and supports food systems through interventions in low-income countries shaped by our Agriculture Development Policy. These are reflected in the International Development Strategy's commitments on sustainable agriculture and food systems. Over 15 programmes in Africa and Asia aim to improve income and productivity of smallholder farmers through better access to market, finance and sustainable practices. Central and regional programmes promote innovation and business models to attract investment in agriculture, for example, the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) programme and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). These also prepare the ground for investments by international investors, eg. by British Investment International (BII).The food and agriculture investments in BII's portfolio reached almost 1.9 million farmers in 2021, whether as suppliers of crops and livestock or as customers for inputs.

Development Aid: Children

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to increase funding to overseas projects specifically dedicated to ending violence against children.

Vicky Ford: FCDO is committed to protecting vulnerable children around the world through our policy leadership and programme work. For example, the UK is a leading donor to Education Cannot Wait, and through our £90 million commitment (2019-2023) we have supported almost 7 million crisis-affected children with education and protection support. In November 2021, the UK announced £18 million funding for the UN Global Programme to End Child Marriage, giving girls a greater say over their bodies and futures. We also continue to make leading contributions to the global evidence base through our What Works to Prevent Violence programme which has included school-based interventions to prevent violence against children.

Development Aid: Females

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of Official Development Assistance in 2022-23 is allocated to supporting women and girls in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Vicky Ford: Aid prioritisation decisions will be guided by the new UK International Development Strategy to ensure we address increasing global challenges, deliver investment, support women and girls, get humanitarian assistance to those who need it most and continue our work on climate change, nature, and global health.

Development Aid: Health Services

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to increase the level of Official Development Assistance funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes.

Vicky Ford: Aid prioritisation decisions will be guided by the new UK International Development Strategy to ensure we address increasing global challenges, deliver investment, support women and girls, get humanitarian assistance to those who need it most and continue our work on climate change, nature, and global health.

Development Aid: Genito-urinary Medicine

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much his Department spent on reproductive health under the OECD Development Assistance Committee code (a) 13010, (b) 13021, (c) 13022, (d) 13030 and (e) 13081 in the (i) 2018-19, (ii) 2019-20 and (iii) 2020-21 financial year.

Vicky Ford: Details of FCDO ODA is published by calendar year, UK extending agency and OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) sector code in the "Statistics on International Development: final UK aid spend" annex tables here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-on-international-developmentFCDO spend (in £)201820192020130104m6m9m13020163m150m109m13030174m252m164m1308117m15m11mPlease note "13020" is the official OECD DAC code for both "13021" and "13022". These codes were defined and solely used by xDFID. They did not exist in xFCO spend data and would not provide a complete picture for the FCDO.Data for 2021 is not available yet.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Public Expenditure

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish his Department's (a) forward spending plans for 2022-23, (b) cross-departmental development results and (c) country aid priorities for 2022-23.

Vicky Ford: Due to the UK's significant support to the people seeking sanctuary in the UK from conflict in Ukraine and Afghanistan, the FCDO was not able to publish forward programme allocations in our Annual Report as the original allocations not be accurate. We remain committed to transparency and will provide updates to Parliament on spending plans in due course.The FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts will include detail on the FCDO's performance, including on development.A final estimate of UK ODA, the ODA:GNI ratio and more detailed breakdowns of UK ODA is published annually in Statistics on International Development publications.

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence: Languages

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civil servants in his Department have received language training in (a) Russian, (b) Ukrainian, (c) Estonian, (d) Mandarin and (e) Cantonese in the past 12 months.

Sarah Atherton: This information is not held. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not routinely maintain a record on which languages Civil Servants in the Department speak or what language training they have received.

Ministry of Defence: Languages

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civil servants in his Department speak (a) Russian, (b) Ukrainian, (c) Estonian, (d) Mandarin and (e) Cantonese.

Sarah Atherton: This information is not held. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not routinely maintain a record on which languages Civil Servants in the Department speak or what language training they have received.

Armed Forces: Discharges

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under which categorisation of discharge from the UK Armed Forces a service man or woman would lose entitlement to their pension.

Sarah Atherton: There is not a defined category of discharge from the UK Armed Forces that would automatically result in the loss of entitlement to any of the three schemes AFPS 75, AFPS 05 or AFPS 15.The circumstances that result in forfeiture under all three schemes AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 apply to serving personnel who are active members of the scheme, those who have already left and have a deferred pension or are already in receipt of pension where the pension scheme member:(a) is convicted of treason or one or more offences under the Official Secrets Acts for whichthe member has been sentenced on the same occasion-(i) to a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years; or(ii) to two or more consecutive terms amounting in the aggregate to at least 10 years;(b) is convicted of an offence in connection with the service that qualifies the member tobelong to the Scheme which the Defence Council considers to have been gravelyinjurious to the defence, security or other interests of the State; or(c) has after becoming a member of the Scheme incurred a monetary obligation to the Crownwhich-(i) arises out of a criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission by the member; or(ii) arises out of or in connection with the member's service in the armed forces.

Ministry of Defence Police: Staff

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ministry of Defence Police are tasked with guarding critical UK military bases and nuclear facilities.

James Heappey: I am withholding the numbers of Ministry of Defence Police officers deployed to protect critical UK military bases and nuclear facilities for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

Balkans: Russia

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential effect of Russian disinformation campaigns in Balkan states on (a) regional and (b) UK security.

James Heappey: Russia spreads disinformation and actively seeks to increase instability in the Western Balkans, aiming to hamper Euro-Atlantic integration. Paying only lip service to sovereignty and territorial integrity, Russia threatens the rules-based international system.The UK will continue to call out and attribute Russian aggression and malign influence.We will bring our full capabilities to bear against adversaries who seek to undermine our collective security.

Military Bases: Operating Costs

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total operating cost was for all British overseas military bases, without personnel costs included, in (a) 2018-19, (b) 2019-20, and (c) 2020-21.

James Heappey: The operating costs for British overseas military bases, without personnel costs are detailed below: Financial Year2020-21 million2019-20 million2018-19 millionTotal171.710169.431157.920

Ministry of Defence: Public Expenditure

Pat McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an estimate of the potential impact of exchange rate movements between the pound and the US dollar on foreign exchange costs incurred by his Department in the (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23 financial year.

Alec Shelbrooke: We do not routinely release forecast figures regarding exchange rate movements for the current or future financial years.The MOD builds appropriate levels of contingency and risk into the Defence budget and equipment plan. We carefully monitor fluctuations in currency markets and take steps to protect our budget from short term volatility, including through forward purchase arrangements.

Ministry of Defence: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Department’s transparency data online publication of spending over £500 using a government procurement card from January to May 2022, what were the (a) locations and (b) purposes of the £19,401.20 spent under the merchant description Bars/Taverns/Lounges/Discos from 26 to 29 April 2022.

Alec Shelbrooke: The purposes of the £19,401.20 spent using ePC between 26-29 April 2022 under the merchant descriptions 'Bars/Taverns/Lounges/Discos' are as follows:£14,334 - Hotel accommodation for personnel providing an escort role for in UK movements£4,376.20 - Army Sailing Association fees for storage of boats/use of facilities£691.00 - Hosting of foreign dignitariesDue to the sensitive nature of some MOD activity, we cannot publish location information on a public forum.ePC spend is categorised using Visa/Mastercard 'Merchant Category groups' assigned to individual companies. These are sometimes misleading as they are wide descriptors which don't necessarily cover the full extent of that supplier's business.

Trident

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the UK nuclear deterrent.

Mr Ben Wallace: A credible nuclear deterrent remains the bedrock of the United Kingdom’s defence.

Nuclear Powered Vessels: Shipbuilding

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September to Question 48233 on Nuclear Powered Vessels: Shipbuilding, if he will place a copy of the Independent Project Authority’s report on the Core Production Capability programme in the House of Commons Library.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September 2022 to Question 48233 on Nuclear Powered Vessels: Shipbuilding, when the Accounting Officer Assessment of the Core Production Capability programme will be completed.

Mr Ben Wallace: There are no plans to publish the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s assurance report on the Core Production Capability (CPC) programme. The report contains commercially sensitive information which the Department must protect. Disclosing the report would also compromise the effectiveness and integrity of the independent assurance process and jeopardise successful future delivery.Following Departmental approval, the CPC Accounting Officer Assessment will be made publicly available in the coming months.

National Flagship

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to continue the National Flagship programme.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department spent on (a) internal projects and (b) external contracts related to the (i) design and (ii) manufacture of a national flagship in the period between 1 April 2021 and 1 October 2022.

Mr Ben Wallace: As of 4 October 2022, the Ministry of Defence has spent £2.476 million during financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23 on the National Flagship programme. This sum includes internal and external staff costs, consultancy spend and private sector support. The Ministry of Defence has not assumed liability for costs incurred by bidders for the purposes of bidding into the current design competition, and no design or manufacturing contracts have been placed to date. The National Flagship design phase is due to complete soon, and an announcement will be made in due course.

HMS Prince of Wales: Repairs and Maintenance

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many days has HMS Prince of Wales spent in harbour because of mechanical difficulties since its commission into the Royal Navy.

Alec Shelbrooke: HMS PRINCE OF WALES was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 10 December 2019 and has since spent 267 days at sea. Between October 2020 and April 2021, the ship was alongside for 193 days undergoing repairs to damage caused by floodwater. In August 2022, HMS PRINCE OF WALES suffered a shaft coupling failure which requires a complex repair. She arrived in Rosyth to prepare for dry dock repairs on Monday 10 October. These repairs are ongoing. The normal operating cycle of every ship involves the vessel entering different readiness levels depending on their programmes, periods of refit and Departmental planning requirements.

Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the forthcoming update to the Integrated Review will include policy changes in (a) defence capability and (b) procurement.

Mr Ben Wallace: Defence is supporting the Government's update to the Integrated Review. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our capabilities and prioritise our activities to ensure the UK remains ready to deter adversaries and win the new era of strategic competition. Taking lessons learned from the last year, we will build resilience and promote prosperity both domestically and across our global partner network. Any specific policy changes required related to defence capability and procurement will be determined once the update to the Integrated Review has concluded.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 September 2022 to Question 49577 on Unmanned Air Vehicles, what the whole life cost for the Protector drone programme is following the correction of the accounting error.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Baseline Whole Life Cost published in Ministry of Defence Government Major Projects Portfolio Data 2022, following correction of the accounting error, is £1,347.06 million.

AWE: Security Guards

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department outsources the security of the Atomic Weapons Establishment to a private contractor.

Mr Ben Wallace: We do not comment on security arrangements for sensitive Ministry of Defence sites. To do so would potentially pose a risk.

Ministry of Defence: Travel

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 September 2022 to Question 51521 on Ministry of Defence: Travel, what his Department’s total net expenditure, excluding refunds, was on travel and accommodation using an electronic purchasing card in (a) the calendar year 2021 and (b) the months January to May 2022 inclusive.

Alec Shelbrooke: Total net expenditure on travel and accommodation, for the periods requested, using Electronic Purchasing Cards against the centralised Ministry of Defence travel solution were as follows:Calendar year 2021 - £91,607,334January - May 2022 (inclusive) - £66,899,128The increased rate of expenditure in 2022 reflects the relaxation of COVID 19-related travel restrictions since the previous year and ongoing changes to the Defence Travel process, with a greater proportion of accommodation costs being paid directly by the Department rather than being paid by individuals and then reimbursed as has generally been the case.

Artillery: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the 105mm light gun replacement; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The 105mm Light Gun is currently in service, with an Out of Service Date of 2030.

LE TacCIS Programme

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 May 2022 to Question 4466 on LE TacCIS Programme, whether his Department has agreed a new date with Elbit for the Battlefield Management Application (BMA); and whether the requirements for the BMA have been adjusted.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Battlefield Management Application (BMA) was delivered under the terms of the contract with Elbit which expired on the 30 April 2022. As all obligations had been met, there was no requirement to extend this contract further. With regards to the requirements for the BMA, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer the previous Minister for Defence Procurement gave to him on 23 May 2022 to Question 4466. LE TacCIS Programme (docx, 16.5KB)

Artillery: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the Mobile Fires Platform programme; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is defined as a single trained Close Support Regiment with a support package in place. IOC is anticipated to be achieved in 2029 and Full Operating Capability in 2032.

Satellite Communications: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Skynet 6 satellite; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of SKYNET 6A is defined as having seven of the ultra-high frequency channels available for operational use by Ministry of Defence and allied personnel as soon as the satellite has reached its initial geo-stationary orbit for testing. The contracted date for IOC is January 2026. Full operating capability will be achieved following transit to the designated operational position and completion of final testing, which is forecast to be in August 2026.

Armed Forces: Fuels

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has increased fuel budgets for the (a) RAF, (b) Navy and (c) Army since 2019 due to trends in the level of the cost of fuel; and whether his Department has directed the armed forces to reduce fuel-consuming activities due to the cost of living since 2019.

Alec Shelbrooke: The cost of fuel forms part of wider running costs for front line commands and there has been no specific increase in allocation for fuel. The Department has not provided any instruction to the Armed Forces to reduce fuel-consuming activities as a result of the increase in cost of living.

Armed Forces: Fuels

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect of trends in the level of the cost of fuel on fuel costs for the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Army.

Alec Shelbrooke: The cost of fuel forms part of wider running costs for front line commands and should not be considered in isolation. Any potential impact from rising fuel prices will be closely monitored by the Department, as with any other pressure.

Apache AH-64 Helicopters: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the programme; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Apache AH-64E initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as one AH-64E v6 squadron 'at Readiness', cleared to support operational use with full security accreditation; the delivery of two linked and accredited land simulators to conduct mission rehearsal training; and a long-term maintenance and training package. IOC is expected to be achieved in 2023 and Full Operating Capability in 2026.

Merlin Helicopters: Early Warning Systems

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the Crowsnest AEW helicopter programme; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Investments Approval Committee are considering the CROWSNEST Review Note and once approved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and Full Operating Capability dates will become a matter of record. A decision is expected later this year.CROWSNEST is in service and deployed on the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers in 2021 and 2022. Prerequisites in the Main gate Business Case for IOC have been achieved, such as crew numbers, role kits, training, and support. The capability is being introduced incrementally, with the IOC software standard undergoing final testing.

Ministry of Defence: Public Expenditure

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2022 to Question 53281 on Ministry of Defence: Public Expenditure, whether fluctuations in the exchange rate have affected this cost in the period since 23 September 2022.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Department continues to closely monitor and mitigate the impact of short-term fluctuations in exchange rates. We have no update to the figure previously provided.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new medium support helicopter, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the programme; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability.

Alec Shelbrooke: Industry's detailed responses to the second half of the New Medium Helicopter programme competition will provide an improved understanding of aspects such as production capacity, which will enable us to confirm the definitions and timing of the programme's capability milestones.

F-35 Aircraft: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it remains the policy of his Department to purchase 138 F-35 aircraft, as confirmed in a Written Ministerial Statement made on 25 June 2019.

Alec Shelbrooke: The UK remains committed to the procurement of 138 aircraft.

Ajax Vehicles: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Ajax Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Ministry of Defence and General Dynamics are currently working to resolve the issues associated with the Ajax programme in line with the contract. We will not accept a vehicle until it can be used safely for its intended purposes.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the potential impact of the delay in the UK's E-7 Wedgetail aircraft fleet reaching Initial Operational Capability will have on RAF defence capability.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of when the E-7 Wedgetail will achieve initial operational capability.

Alec Shelbrooke: Analysis to determine the timing of E-7 Wedgetail initial operational capability is ongoing, and will be confirmed when the Full Business Case is submitted towards the end of financial year 2022-23.The United Kingdom remains part of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.

General Dynamics

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the new Minister for Defence Procurement has had recent discussions with representatives of General Dynamics.

Alec Shelbrooke: While no formal discussions have taken place between myself and General Dynamics’ representatives, the Department continues to work with the company to resolve the noise and vibration problems on Ajax, in line with the contract while protecting the taxpayers' interests.

Ajax Vehicles: Testing

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the progress made by General Dynamics on providing demonstration trials of the AJAX armoured fighting vehicles.

Mr Ben Wallace: Yes.

Ajax Vehicles: Testing

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date he expects safety trials on the Ajax armoured vehicle to recommence.

Mr Ben Wallace: I intend to provide the House with an update on AJAX by way of a written ministerial statement this week.

LE TacCIS Programme

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Le Tacsis communications system; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The LE TacCIS programme is comprised of multiple projects with the aim to deliver the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment. The programme is enduring and constantly evolving, therefore Initial Operating Capability and Full Operating Capability milestone dates are not applicable at programme level.

Boxer Vehicles: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Boxer (Mechanised Infantry Programme) initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as a company group of vehicles equipped with trained crews.IOC is expected to be achieved in 2025 and full operating capability (FOC) in 2032.

Challenger Tanks: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new Challenger 3 main battle tank, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the tank; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability.

Alec Shelbrooke: For the Challenger 3 programme, initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as a single squadron of Main Battle Tanks equipped with trained crews. IOC is expected to be achieved in 2027, however work is ongoing to scope options to bring this forward. Full operating capability (FOC) is expected in 2030.

HMS Prince of Wales: Repairs and Maintenance

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of repairing damage sustained to HMS Prince of Wales following her recent propeller shaft fault.

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the extent of the damage to HMS Prince of Wales; and what estimate he has made of the amount of time it will take to repair that damage.

Alec Shelbrooke: HMS PRINCE OF WALES has suffered a shaft coupling failure which requires a complex repair. She arrived in Rosyth to prepare for dry dock repairs on Monday 10 October. It is important to remember that our Carriers are complex ships and sometimes mechanical faults occur. The role of the Royal Navy in these situations is to react quickly, make assessments, conduct repairs and ensure a timely and safe return to operations.Currently, it is too early to comment on the cost of repairs to HMS PRINCE OF WALES, however, we will repair her and get her back on operations, protecting the Nation and our Allies as soon as possible.

Navy: Training

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total value of the Project Selborne contract.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the (a) primary contractors for Project Selborne and (b) total value of those contracts with his Department.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total value is of the Project Selborne contract.

Alec Shelbrooke: There is only one Ministry of Defence contract with Capita Business Services Ltd dated 8 January 2021 to deliver Project Selborne. The total value for the whole 12 year contract is £1.38 billion, including Project Selborne at a value of £1.26 billion and the creation of the Royal Naval Submarine Training Centre at a value of £120 million.

HMS Prince of Wales: Repairs and Maintenance

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer given on 20 September 2022 to Question 48264, on HMS Prince of Wales: Repairs and Maintenance, which contractor is undertaking repairs to HMS Prince of Wales.

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer given on 20 September 2022 to Question 48264, on HMS Prince of Wales: Repairs and Maintenance, (a) what the estimated cost is of the repairs currently underway on HMS Prince of Wales; and (b) whether those costs will be met by his Department or by industry.

Alec Shelbrooke: The estimated cost of the repair on HMS PRINCE OF WALES will be determined by the investigation now being undertaken. Repair costs will be met by the Department.Babcock are the prime contractor for the repair to HMS PRINCE OF WALES.

Clyde Naval Base and RNAD Coulport: Radioactive Materials

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many nuclear safety events occurred at (a) Coulport and (b) Faslane in each year since 2010.

Alec Shelbrooke: The table below provides the number of Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) at Coulport and Faslane recorded between 2010 and 2022 (January 2022-June 2022). These are shown according to their categorisation using criteria agreed locally in 2015.Nuclear Site Events - 2010Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport0120Faslane0120 Nuclear Site Events - 2011Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport0010Faslane00128 Nuclear Site Events - 2012Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport0000Faslane001810  Nuclear Site Events - 2013Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport0001Faslane001011 Nuclear Site Events - 2014Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport0033Faslane0033 Nuclear Site Events – 2015*Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport00200Faslane00123*Updated categorisation criteria in 2015Nuclear Site Events - 2016Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport00140Faslane00359 Nuclear Site Events - 2017Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport00210Faslane002619 Nuclear Site Events - 2018Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport022116Faslane0062386 Nuclear Site Events - 2019Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport001413Faslane0154688 Nuclear Site Events - 2020Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport000026Faslane0012696 Nuclear Site Events - 2021Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport010832Faslane02103367 Nuclear Site Events- 2022Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport003319Faslane003912  In line with Industry Good Practice and in common with other defence and civil nuclear sites, HMNB Clyde has a well-established system for raising NSERs. NSERs are raised to foster a robust safety culture that learns from experience, whether that is equipment failures, human error, procedural failings, documentation shortcomings or near-misses. The safety significance of all reported events remains low and are below Level 1, the lowest of the seven-point International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). None of the events caused harm to the health of any member of staff on the Naval Base or to any member of the public or have resulted in any radiological impact to the environment.

Type 32 Frigates: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to progress the concept phase of the Type 32 Frigate.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Type 32 Programme began the Concept Phase on 21 September 2022 and will seek to deliver an Outline Business Case in parallel with the Multi Role Support Ship.

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Prince of Wales was commissioned into Royal Naval service.

Alec Shelbrooke: HMS PRINCE OF WALES was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 10 December 2019.

Ministry of Defence: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s publication of spending over £500 using a government procurement card from January to May 2022, which five companies or individuals received the highest shares of the £443,910.02 spent on management, consultant and public relations services; and what was the nature of the services they provided.

Alec Shelbrooke: The five companies that received the highest shares of ePC spend on 'management, consultant and public relations services' between January and May 2022 were; Allchange Strategic Consulting Ltd, BSI Group, TRCC Ltd, Aureo Filo Ltd and Team Focus Ltd. The nature of the services provided was consultancy support to innovation, training and external assessment of apprenticeship examinations.

Defence Equipment: Imports

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Equipment Plan 2021-2031, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the change in the value of sterling against the US dollar between that plan's publication in February 2022 and the current exchange rate as of October 2022 on products that are imported under that plan; and whether additional funding will be required to meet the Department's spending commitments.

Alec Shelbrooke: The Department continues to monitor recent fluctuations in currency markets and has built appropriate levels of contingency and risk to protect our budget from short term volatility, including through forward purchase arrangements.The Equipment Plan for years 2022-2032, which sets out the funding requirements, is currently due for publication later this year.

Artillery: Procurement

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is seeking to acquire further multiple-launch rocket systems for the UK Armed Forces.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is seeking to acquire high mobility artillery rocket systems for the UK Armed Forces.

Alec Shelbrooke: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 September 2022, to Question 45720. Due to the decision to recapitalise the M270 fleet and increase their numbers in line with Integrated Review 2021 outcomes, there are no plans to procure High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The recapitalised M270 MLRS platform will fire: Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS); Extended Range GMLRS (ERG); the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM); and the Land Precision Strike (LPS) missile. Artillery Procurement (docx, 16.4KB)

Ministry of Defence: Staff

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of his Department's personnel were based in (a) Hampshire, (b) Wiltshire, (c) Oxfordshire and (d) Scotland in the 2021-2022 financial year.

Sarah Atherton: Location Statistics for UK Regular Armed Forces and Civilians are published annually on www.gov.uk. The table below details the number of personnel based in each area on 1 April 2022 and has been extracted from the 2022 statistics available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/location-statistics-for-uk-regular-armed-forces-and-civilians-2022.  TypeLocationAll MOD PersonnelMOD CiviliansRoyal NavyArmyRAFHampshire17,5804,5103,9207,0102,140Wiltshire23,3305,95018016,750450Oxfordshire9,3709201702,7505,530Scotland14,4804,0304,4103,8802,150 The following tables are the source for the data:a) Hampshire – Table 3.8a (All MOD Personnel), and 3.8b (Regulars)b) Wiltshire – Table 3.9a (All MOD Personnel), and 3.9b (Regulars)c) Oxfordshire - Table 3.8a (All MOD Personnel), and 3.8b (Regulars)d) Scotland - Table 5.1a (All MOD Personnel), and 5.1b (Regulars) - Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, though numbers ending in a “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent the systematic bias caused by always rounding numbers upwards (e.g. a value of ’25’ would be rounded down to ‘20’ and a value of ‘15’ would be rounded up to ‘20’.- Additionally, totals and sub-totals are rounded separately and so may not equal the sums of their rounded parts.

Defence: Radar

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the locations of the UK air defence network’s seven fixed radar sites and the yearly running cost of each site.

Alec Shelbrooke: Our surveillance comprises of a Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer Northumberland and seven Remote Radar Heads (RRH) housing the RAF Air Defence radars. The CRC combines and actions the feeds from the radars on air activity required to defend the UK and NATO partners, whilst exchanging information with neighbouring NATO partners, Airborne Early Warning aircraft and ships. The locations of the Air Defence radars are:RRH Benbecula, Outer HebridesRRH Saxa Vord, Shetland IslandsRRH Buchan, AberdeenshireRRH Brizlee Wood, NorthumberlandRRH Staxton Wold, North YorkshireRRH Trimingham, NorfolkRRH Portreath, CornwallThe yearly running costs of each Remote Radar Head are not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. This is due to the radar maintenance, and separate radome and site maintenance required at each site being subject to differing multi-year contracts which cover multiple sites. Consequently, costs cannot be broken down or attributed on a per site basis.

Department for Work and Pensions

Older People: Cost of Living

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans she has to provide additional support to older people who cannot meeet the cost of (a) energy bills, (b) food costs, and (c) other living costs.

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what additional support will be available for disabled people who cannot meet their energy, food and other living costs this winter.

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to help ensure that people who are out of work and have sufficient resources to pay for their energy, food and other living costs this winter.

Victoria Prentis: The government understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living and has taken further decisive action to support people with their energy bills.The £37bn of support includes up to £650 in Cost-of-Living Payments (paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324) which has been designed to target support at around 8 million low-income households on means-tested benefits, including people who are out of work and receiving Universal Credit and older people receiving Pension Credit. In addition, more than 8 million pensioner households will receive a one-off payment of £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment from November, and 6 million eligible disabled people will receive a one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 from 20 September. Also included in the cost-of-living support is the current Household Support Fund in England, which is already providing £421m of support for the period April-September 2022. For the same period, the devolved administrations received £79 million through the Barnett formula. For the period October 2022-March 2023, we are providing an additional £421 million through the Household Support Fund to help households in England with the cost of essentials, and the devolved administrations will receive £79 million through the Barnett formula. Ongoing financial support for help with the cost of living is provided to people over State Pension age through State Pensions, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, and to people below State Pension age through Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. In some cases, and especially in the case of Pension Credit, these entitlements may also give access to other support such as help with Council Tax, NHS costs, discounts on energy bills, and free TV licences for those aged 75 or over. People with a long-term health condition or disability may be entitled to one of the following non-means tested benefits to help them meet the additional costs that arise from disability: Attendance Allowance; Disability Living Allowance; or Personal Independence Payment. These benefits can be paid in addition to any other social security benefits and may qualify people for additional amounts or premiums as part of these benefits.

Social Security Benefits

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Prime Minister about lifting the benefits cap.

Victoria Prentis: Ministers have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues relating to welfare delivery, the content of these internal discussions is held in confidence.There is a statutory duty to review the levels of the benefit cap at least once in every five years and this will happen at the appropriate time.

Universal Credit: Cost of Living Payments

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her Department's guidance entitled Cost of Living Payment, published in May 2022, whether it is his Department’s policy that people who were in receipt of a Universal Credit payment in the period between 26 August 2022 and 25 September 2022 are eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment, including those who have a direct payment arrangement with their landlord.

Victoria Prentis: For the second Cost of Living payment of £324, individuals must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022. Those who are entitled to Universal Credit and have a direct payment arrangement with their landlord will be entitled to the cost-of-living payment as long as their Universal Credit claim has not been nilled due to a sanction or earnings.

Universal Credit

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the requirement that Universal Credit claimants applying for a Budgeting Advance must have earned less than a set income threshold in the past six months (a) for what reason that requirement was first put in place and (b) whether she plans to review that requirement in the context of the increases in the cost of living since 2013.

Victoria Prentis: Budgeting Advances are available to help meet intermittent miscellaneous expenses, such as buying essential items like furniture or household equipment advances and ensure that low-income families that have an emergency financial need and do not have access to adequate savings or affordable loans can access funding to meet the emergency. The earned income limit was put in place as those with income in the past 6 assessment periods could have the necessary means to help pay for these unexpected costs. The maximum advance provided to a claimant is also reduced pound for pound for any capital held in excess of £1,000.

Personal Independence Payment

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when her Department plans to offer reassessments for PIP claimants whose conditions have worsened since their last assessment.

Claire Coutinho: Where a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants’ needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability have changed, they should report that change to the Department. Once a change in circumstances has been reported we will always review their existing award to see whether a change is required to their award to reflect their current needs.

Inflation: City of Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the impact of rising inflation rates on the level of (a) overall poverty, (b) child poverty and (c) in work poverty for families and individuals receiving Universal Credit in the City of Durham.

Victoria Prentis: No assessment has been made. The Government is committed to a sustainable, long-term approach to tackling poverty and supporting people on lower incomes. We will spend over £242bn through the welfare system in 2022/23 including £108bn on people of working age.

Universal Credit: Veterans

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 September 2022 to Question 47343 on Universal Credit: Veterans, if she will provide these figures by parliamentary constituency.

Victoria Prentis: The information requested is not available. We do not believe the current data is of suitable quality to present at sub-national levels. We will review this when coverage has improved.

Cost of Living Payments: Disability

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disability cost of living payments have been made to disabled people.

Victoria Prentis: The Department for Work and Pensions has published management information on the total number of Disability Cost of Living Payments made. As of 8 September 2022, 6,000,000 Disability Cost of Living payments, first payment, had been made. The information which will be updated as new payments are made can be found here: Cost of Living Payment management information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Universal Credit: Veterans

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 September 2022 to Question 47342 on Universal Credit: Veterans, if she will provide these figures by parliamentary constituency.

Victoria Prentis: The information requested is not available. We do not believe the current data is of suitable quality to present at sub-national levels. We will review this when coverage has improved.

Cost of Living Payments

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure all outstanding cost of living payments due to be paid are paid in full by the end of October 2022.

Victoria Prentis: The first £326 Cost of Living Payment and the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment have been paid automatically to those, who at the time, were eligible to receive it. However, there will continue to be cases where eligibility to a Cost of Living Payment has yet to be established due to an outstanding appeal decision for example. We will periodically make payments to people who have later been found to be eligible and have not yet received a payment. The payments will continue to be made automatically in the same way the qualifying benefit or tax credit is paid. The second £324 Cost of Living Payment will be paid between the 8 and 23 November 2022 to those, who at the time, are eligible to receive it. The £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will be paid with the normal Winter Fuel Payments from November 2022. The timetable for when Cost of Living Payments are made is published here: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Department for Work and Pensions has published management information on the total number of means-tested benefit and Disability Cost of Living Payments made. As of 8 September 2022, 8,400,000 means-tested benefits Cost of Living Payments, first payment, had been made. As of 30 September 2022, 6,000,000 Disability Cost of Living Payments had been made. The information which will be updated as new payments are made can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-living-payment-management-information

Cost of Living Payments

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many cost of living payments are outstanding and are due to be paid throughout October 2022.

Victoria Prentis: The Department for Work and Pensions has published management information on the total number of means-tested benefit Cost of Living Payments made and disability Cost of Living Payments made. As of 8 September 2022, 8,400,000 means-tested benefits Cost of Living payments, first payment, had been made. As of 30 September 2022, 6,000,000 disability Cost of Living payments, first payment, had been made.The information which will be updated as new payments can be found here:Cost of Living Payment management information – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)The timetable for when cost of living payments are made is published here: Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)It is not possible to determine how many people are due a Cost of Living Payment, as entitlement may not have been established at the time the payments were made. We will periodically make payments to people who have later been found to be eligible and have not yet received a payment. The payments will continue to be made automatically in the same way the qualifying benefit or tax credit is paid.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2022 to Question 46209 on Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which provisions in domestic legislation reflect and give effect to the rights of disabled people under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2022 to Question 46209 on Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which legislative provisions give effect to the rights of disabled people under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and whether her Department has taken recent steps to support disability rights that are not set out in legislation.

Claire Coutinho: This Government remains committed to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which we ratified in 2009, and the progressive realisation of rights for disabled people that it sets out. We continue to reform and modernise our public services and welfare system to ensure that disabled people are able to participate in every aspect of society. Although the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is not incorporated into domestic law, the Equality Act 2010 provides in domestic legislation protections for people in Great Britain against discrimination, harassment or victimisation because of any of the nine protected characteristics set out in the Act – which include disability. It also includes the public sector equality duty to promote equality of opportunity for all. Equivalent provisions for Northern Ireland are set out in a range of devolved legislation.

Universal Credit: Disqualification

Mohammad Yasin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many mandatory reconsiderations of benefits decisions are awaiting processing as of 10 October 2022; what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the number of mandatory reconsiderations that are awaiting processing; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a clearance time for mandatory reconsiderations.

Claire Coutinho: There are currently 90,738 mandatory reconsiderations of benefit decisions awaiting processing at 10th October 2022. DWP are taking steps to help reduce the number of mandatory reconsiderations awaiting processing by improving our processes and correspondence to make the delivery of the mandatory reconsideration customer journey more efficient whilst still ensuring effective decision making and customer service. We have also increased our decision maker capacity by 470 full time equivalent staff over the last 3 months. We have no plans to introduce a target clearance time. While we endeavour to make decisions without delay, it is important that a decision maker is able to conduct a comprehensive review of the decision being disputed to make a fully informed Mandatory Reconsideration decision.

Offshore Industry: North Sea

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment her Department has made of the progress that duty holders have made in meeting the key performance indicators on safety critical maintenance backlogs on oil and gas installations in the North Sea.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to assess the impact of trends in oil and gas prices on maintenance work on North Sea installations.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had recent discussions with the Health and Safety Executive on the status of safety critical maintenance backlogs in North Sea oil and gas fields.

Claire Coutinho: Pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member on 29th November 2021 to Question UIN 80980, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has continued to request data on safety critical maintenance backlogs from production installation dutyholders. HSE uses this data in its regulation of dutyholders to ensure that they focus on managing their particular safety critical maintenance backlog issues.Additionally, a programme of Process Safety Leadership (PSL) interventions is ongoing, which focus on the integrity of installations and their equipment. HSE inspectors engage directly with dutyholder senior management on their ‘line of sight’ from board room to control room on their safety critical maintenance backlog data. HSE inspects the actions taken to achieve and maintain safe operations offshore and where significant compliance gaps have been found on safety critical maintenance backlog issues HSE has taken formal enforcement action.HSE is also working with the industry, in particular Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), to better define and clarify the term ‘backlog’ to ensure there is a focus on “deferred work”, i.e. work that has been risk assessed for completion beyond its original planned date, and a new date set. An OEUK sub-group, the Asset Integrity Task Group, has recently been reinvigorated, partly by challenge from HSE, and continues to work with dutyholders in this area; including re-emphasising the well-known practices for the management of ageing installations (e.g. HSE’s Key Programme 4, 2011-2013 https://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/ageing/kp4-report.pdf).HSE’s PSL interventions target how effectively duty holders are managing challenges arising from trends in oil and gas prices and their management of safety, including any potential impact on maintenance. All PSL inspections are targeted based upon HSE’s assessment of dutyholder capability and performance, which includes the analysis of data referred to in the response to Question UIN 80980. There have been no recent discussions between HSE and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the status of safety critical maintenance backlogs in North Sea oil and gas fields. However, following an earlier meeting between yourself and HSE’s Director of Energy Division, a further meeting will be scheduled shortly, as agreed, to provide an update on HSE’s views on how dutyholders are managing any risks associated with their safety critical maintenance backlogs.

Cost of Living Payments

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what methods exist for (a) a claimant or (b) a Member of Parliament to contact the specialist team within the Department who are responsible for assessing and issuing the Cost of Living Payments.

Victoria Prentis: Payments are automatically paid into the bank accounts of those eligible in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who receive a qualifying benefit, meaning they will not need to do anything to receive the money. Information about eligibility for the cost-of-living payments and how to contact DWP if someone believes they meet the eligibility conditions but have not received a payment is available through gov.uk. For Means Tested Benefit 1 payments this has reverted to business-as-usual processes and for Disability Cost of Living Payments the contact form can be used. For anyone who is unable to engage with DWP digitally our normal processes apply.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to commission an independent assessment of the adequacy of disability benefits rates to enable disabled people, including people with multiple sclerosis, to cover all their costs and meet their needs.

Claire Coutinho: As referenced in the Government’s response to the Work and Pensions Committee report on The Cost of Living published on 8 September 2022 (HC 671), the Government does not intend to commission a review into the adequacy of disability benefit levels.

Cost of Living Payments

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the number of Cost-of-Living payments that have been missed and have resulted in mop-up payments having to be made.

Victoria Prentis: The As of 8 September 2022, 8,400,000 means-tested benefits Cost of Living payments had been made. As of 30 September 2022, 6,000,000 Disability Cost of Living Payments had been made. The information which will be updated as new payments are made can be found here: Cost of Living Payment management information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The timetable for when cost of living payments are made is published here: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  It is not possible to determine how many people are due a Cost-of-Living Payment, as entitlement may not have been established at the time the payments were made. We will periodically make payments to people who have later been found to be eligible and have not yet received a payment. The payments will continue to be made automatically in the same way the qualifying benefit or tax credit is paid.

Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support people diagnosed with a terminal illness to access benefits; and what plans she has to bring forward legislation to amend (a) Attendance Allowance, (b) Disability Living Allowance and (c) Personal Independence Payments to reflect the Special Rules for Terminal Illness.

Claire Coutinho: The Government wants to do all it can to alleviate the pressures on those nearing the end of their lives, and on their families.The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill completed all Commons and Lords stages on 8th September 2022 and is now awaiting Royal Assent.The Bill will enable people who are thought to be in the final year of their life to get fast-tracked access to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA). It amends the definition of end of life in existing legislation, which is based on the claimant having six months or less to live, replacing it with a new twelve-month definition that aligns with the end-of-life approach taken across the NHS. Similar changes were made to the definition of end of life used in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance in April 2022.

Carer's Allowance: State Retirement Pensions

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of extending the eligibility of carers allowance to those who are in receipt of the state pension but also act as a carer.

Claire Coutinho: I refer the honourable member to the answer my right honourable friend, Chloe Smith, the then Minister for Disabled People, Work and Health gave on 20 April 2022 to question UIN 154461 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-04-14/154461

Universal Credit: Cost of Living Payments

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants have been deemed eligible for the cost of living payments; and what proportion of those people received that payment by (a) 31 July, (b) 31 August and (c) 30 September 2022.

Victoria Prentis: 7.2 million cost-of-living payments have been paid out to low-income families to date. The following special points should be noted: Statistics on Universal Credit households and award amounts were released in August 2022 covering claims with assessment periods spanning 12th May 2022. Since the qualifying period for the cost-of-living payments stretches from 26th April 2022 to 25th May 2022, if we were to provide data for all those receiving the payments it would pre-empt the next release of the statistics.The next release will be published on 15th November 2022 and will include households with assessment periods spanning the remainder of the qualifying period for the cost-of-living payments.

Social Security Benefits: Equality

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Minister for Women and Equalities about the equalities impact of (a) inflation on social security payments and (b) changes to work conditionality for part-time workers claiming Universal Credit.

Victoria Prentis: The Secretary of State has a statutory obligation to annually review benefits and State Pensions. The review will commence shortly and as part of that review, the Secretary of State will consider a Public Sector Equality analysis and so have due regard to her obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Regarding changes to in-work conditionality for part-time workers claiming Universal Credit, the department will be publishing an Equality Analysis of the impact of the changes in due course.

Personal Independence Payment: Applications

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to reduce (a) delays and (b) waiting times for those in the PIP application process.

Claire Coutinho: We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner, taking into account the need to review all available evidence. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service, including using a blend of phone, video and face-to-face assessments, increasing case manager and assessment provider health professional resource and prioritising new claims, whilst safeguarding the continuity of existing awards to ensure they do not go out of payment.We are seeing an improvement in average clearance times and the latest statistics show that the end-to-end journey has steadily reduced from 26 weeks in August 2021 to 18 weeks at the end of August 2022.

Personal Independence Payment: Long Covid

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to require Personal Independence Payment assessment providers to provide staff with training on long covid.

Claire Coutinho: All Health Professionals (HPs) carrying out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are clinically qualified practitioners. They are subject to a rigorous recruitment process followed by a comprehensive training programme in disability assessment Long Covid is a medically recognised condition associated with a range of disabling effects which depend upon the severity of the condition. Both Capita and Independent Assessment Services (IAS) ensure that Long Covid training is provided for HPs undertaking PIP assessments on behalf of the department.

Carer's Allowance

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to increase the level of the Carer's Allowance.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to increase the Carer's Allowance in line with trends in the level of the (a) Consumer Price Index and (b) Retail Price Index.

Claire Coutinho: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has an annual statutory duty to review the rates of benefits and state pensions. The Social Security Administration Act 1992 sets out the requirements with respect to Carer’s Allowance. Her review will commence shortly and her decisions will be announced to Parliament by 25 November.

Local Housing Allowance

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of current levels of Local Housing Allowance rates in the (a) UK and (b) Stockport constituency.

Alex Burghart: Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are not intended to cover all rents in all areas. In April 2020 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates were increased to the 30th percentile of local rents. This significant investment of nearly £1 billion provided 1.5 million claimants with an average £600 more housing support in 2020/21 than they would otherwise have received. LHA rates have been maintained at their increased levels since then, so that everyone who benefitted from the increase will continue to do so. The constituency of Stockport covers two broad rental market areas (BRMAs) as shown in the table below.  Household average gap between LHA and rent per monthPrevalence of households with a gap between LHA and rental costsGreat Britain£14655%Tameside & Glossop BRMA£12371%Southern Greater Manchester BRMA£14552% For those who require additional support with housing costs, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are available from local authorities. Since 2011 we have provided almost £1.5 billion in DHPs.

National Insurance Credits

Danny Kruger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an estimate of (a) the take-up, as a proportion of eligibility, of the Specified Adult Childcare Credit, and (b) the estimated expenditure for the Specified Adult Childcare Credit, in each of the last four years.

Alex Burghart: Qualifying Years of National Insurance for State Pension can be filled whilst working or being self-employed; by being credited with National Insurance credits; and through making voluntary National Insurance contributions. Specified Adult Childcare Credits are one of the many ways an individual can build a Qualifying Year of National Insurance to protect their future entitlement to State Pension. It is a transfer of the National Insurance credit from the primary parent/carer receiving Child Benefit to a Specified Adult providing care. Its award depends on the circumstances between an individual parent and a carer, and it is not possible to estimate potential volumes There is no immediate expenditure associated with the award of the credit. Each credit adds a qualifying year which is used when the individual reaches State Pension age to determine their overall State Pension entitlement.

Personal Independence Payment: Standards

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to reduce delays and waiting times for people making applications for Personal Independence Payments.

Claire Coutinho: We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner, taking into account the need to review all available evidence. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service, including using a blend of phone, video and face-to-face assessments, increasing case manager and assessment provider health professional resource and prioritising new claims, whilst safeguarding the continuity of existing awards to ensure they do not go out of payment. We are seeing an improvement in average clearance times and the latest statistics show that the end-to-end journey has steadily reduced from 26 weeks in August 2021 to 18 weeks at the end of August 2022.

Personal Independence Payment: Chronic Illnesses

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of patients with (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) other progressive conditions who face unnecessary repeat assessments.

Claire Coutinho: Entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself. Award rates and their durations are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant’s needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. Award reviews allow for the correct rate of PIP to remain in payment, including where needs have increased as a consequence of a congenital, degenerative or progressive condition. No such estimate has been made concerning numbers of patients with any specific health condition.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance her Department provides to disabled people on applying for benefits and wider support, such as housing and social care.

Claire Coutinho: Gov.uk provides information on eligibility and how to make a claim for benefits, including signposting to telephony routes (including textphone and Relay UK) for people who are unable to complete forms online. For Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance for children, there are videos on the DWP YouTube channel that provide further information about those benefits, including how to claim and what to expect once a claim has been made. Guidance on gov.uk includes information on benefits people may be able to claim and other financial support. This includes housing support, help with council tax and direct payments for social care. Where appropriate DWP letters include signposting to additional help and support. We have produced 30 easy read guides, over 90 British Sign Language videos and are ensuring benefit claim forms are accessible to all covering a variety of DWP benefits and services. These provide disabled people with information on benefit type, who can apply, how to make a claim and assist with making a claim. Operational staff also have access to a database of known support called a District Provision Tool. It covers national and local information. This contains support for customers such as housing, debt, domestic abuse, modern slavery, and other complex needs alongside specific organisations that support people with disabilities or specific health conditions. This tool is used to facilitate signposting discussions with customers so they can access tailored support where required. Anyone who requires support to make a new claim to Universal Credit - whether they are claiming benefits for the first time, have had a change of circumstance on legacy benefits which has initiated a move to Universal Credit, or have chosen voluntarily to move to Universal Credit - will be able to access the Help to Claim support provided by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland

Personal Independence Payment

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many requests for reviews of existing awards of Personal Independence Payments her Department has received since 1 August 2021.

Claire Coutinho: The latest available data on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reviews initiated by the claimant, Change of Circumstances, can be found on Stat-Xplore. The relevant data set is ‘PIP Award Review Registrations’, which can be filtered using the Intervention Indicator for Change of Circumstances. Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Marine Protected Areas: Fisheries

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of supertrawlers on Marine Protected Areas.

Mark Spencer: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a devolved competency and the information provided therefore relates to England only.The Marine Management Organisation and the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities assess on a site-by-site basis which fishing activities could prevent them from achieving their conservation objectives.'Supertrawlers' generally target pelagic species of fish within the water column and are unlikely to interact with the seabed habitats, such as reef and sediment habitats, for which most MPAs are designated. Some other types of fishing such as bottom trawling and fly-shooting interact with the seabed and are therefore likely to impact seabed habitats. The compatibility of these activities will depend on the features protected in each site. If the site assessments conclude that a certain type of fishing poses a risk to the conservation objectives of a MPA, the relevant regulator would implement management measures.

Environment Protection: Standards

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Environment Act targets will be published by 31 October 2022, as set out under the Environment Act 2021.

Trudy Harrison: HM Government remains committed to the Environment Act 2021, and will publish ambitious, achievable, and robust targets soon.

Biodiversity: Property Development

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Biodiversity Net Gain will become mandatory in winter 2023 as proposed.

Trudy Harrison: We remain committed to the implementation of biodiversity net gain, to make the achievement of a 10% gain mandatory for housing and other types of development. As previously announced, it is our intention to commence the Environment Act's requirement for development in November next year. Before then, we will be publishing a response to the consultation on net gain earlier this year that sets out further details of the approach.

EU Law

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) resourcing and (b) financial costs of adapting over 430 pieces of retained EU law, as required by the Retained EU Law Bill; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Spencer: Defra has already reformed Retained EU Law in key areas through flagship legislation such as the Environment Act, Fisheries Act and Agriculture Act. The REUL Bill will make it easier to amend, repeal or replace REUL to build on this previous work, so the Department is currently assessing where these new secondary powers should be utilised, which will inform our approach to resourcing.

Members: Correspondence

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to respond to the correspondence of 30 August and 27 September 2022 from the hon. Member for Lichfield on legislation on septic tanks.

Trudy Harrison: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 14 th October 2022.

Property Flood Resilience Scheme

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 14 March 2022 to Question 137317 on Property Flood Resilience Scheme, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the evaluation of the PFR Repair Grant Scheme.

Trudy Harrison: The evaluation of the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Repair Grant scheme is well underway. The outcomes of this evaluation, in 2023, will inform any PFR repair grant schemes that may be run in the future.

Food: EU Law

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 on food standards.

Mark Spencer: Defra is in the process of analysing its REUL stock to determine what should be preserved as part of domestic law, and what should be repealed, or amended. This work will determine how we use the powers in the Bill and therefore inform assessments of the Bill's impact, including in relation to food standards.Maintaining the UK's high food standards remains our priority. HM Government remains committed to promoting robust food standards nationally and internationally, to protect consumer interests, facilitate international trade, and ensure that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy.

Food: Inflation

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to control inflation on food prices.

Mark Spencer: My Department understands the pressure that rising food prices place on household budgets and the impacts on businesses across the food chain. Recent cost pressures in supply chains have led to food price inflation and we continue to monitor food prices using inflation statistics published by the Office for National Statistics.Food prices are set individually by businesses and are influenced by the competitive market they work in and the cost pressures they face. It is not for HM Government to set retail food prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions by companies.However, my Department continues to regularly engage with food retailers to explore ways in which they can support households by ensuring that affordable food remains available by, for example, maintaining value ranges, price matching, price freezing measures and the use of loyalty card offers.

Marine Environment: International Cooperation

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on meeting the 30x30 pledge to protect 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress has been made to reach the 30by30 target, to protect at least 30 per of the global ocean by 2030 set by the Global Ocean Alliance.

Scott Mann: Since 2019, the United Kingdom has been leading the Global Ocean Alliance (GOA) of countries championing ambitious ocean action under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including the target to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030. The United Kingdom also serves as ocean co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature & People (HAC for N&P), alongside Costa Rica and France, which champions 30by30 for both the land and the ocean. Between these alliances, over 120 countries have pledged to support the global 30by30 ocean target at the upcoming 15th Conference of Parties to the CBD (COP15) in December 2022. Nearly 8.3% of the global ocean is now protected[1]. Achieving a global 30by30 target will require an international effort, from all countries and sectors. The United Kingdom is leading the way, with 374 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protecting 38% of United Kingdom waters. The United Kingdom’s Blue Belt programme has also resulted in the protection of 4.3 million km2 of ocean around the Overseas Territories. Under the United Kingdoms’s 2021 Presidency, the whole G7 committed to reach or exceed 30% land and sea protection nationally. The United Kingdom strongly supports the conclusion of negotiations as soon as possible on a new implementing Agreement under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), including a mechanism to establish Marine Protected Areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). This will be crucial to achieving 30by30. The United Kingdom has also launched the Blue Planet Fund, a commitment of £500million from the United Kingdom Aid budget to support developing countries protect and sustainably manage their marine resources, including through Marine Protected Areas._[1] UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (2022), Protected Planet, available at: www.protectedplanet.net.

Sewage: Waste Disposal

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the statement to the House by his predecessor on 6 September 2022 that removing storm overflows altogether from the sewage system would cost up to £600 billion, Official Report, Column 118, if he will publish a breakdown of those costs.

Trudy Harrison: The Storm Overflows Evidence Project (SOEP) published in November 2021 shows that eliminating all discharges could cost up to £600 billion. This could increase household bills between £569 and £999 per year and is also highly disruptive and complex to deliver nationwide. This is also referenced in the storm overflows discharge reduction plan impact assessment. A breakdown of these costs can be found in SOEP here: Storm overflows discharge reduction plan - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Agriculture: Seasonal Workers

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on (a) the shortfall of applicants in the 2022 Seasonal Workers Scheme, and (b) ensuring there are sufficient applicants in future years of the Seasonal Workers Scheme.

Mark Spencer: My department works closely with a wide range of industry stakeholders and other Government departments to understand labour supply and demand, including for both permanent and seasonal workforce requirements, to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the farming workforce. This includes regular meetings with the Home Office to discuss current and future immigration policy and the needs of the farming sector.Under the Seasonal Workers visa route, as agreed with the Home Office, a total of 40,000 seasonal worker visas were available in 2022, with 38,000 of these going to the horticulture sector and 2,000 to the poultry sector. 2022 has been a challenging year for labour providers, farmers and growers, with war in the Ukraine disrupting the sourcing and supply of workers and extreme weather impacting on harvests. This made it harder to match supply with demand. Visa route operators are working closely with growers to optimise worker transfers between businesses so that workers make the most of their time here and businesses get the support they need.HM Government recognises the importance of a reliable source of seasonal labour for crop picking and packing, and that it is a key part of bringing in the harvest for the horticultural sector. That is why the Prime Minster committed to look at expanding seasonal workers schemes in the leadership campaign and we are in discussion with the Home Office regarding the visa allocation for 2023 and 2024. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the labour needs of the agriculture sector and the impacts of these additional visas.To assist medium to longer term workforce planning HM Government has commissioned an independent review which will consider how automation, domestic labour and migrant labour can contribute to tackling labour shortages in the food supply chain. The review will focus on farming, processing, and food and drink manufacturing as sectors which are critical for food production and food security. It will report in spring 2023.

Pets: Sales

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the welfare of (a) animals sold in pet shops and (b) rabbits sold in pet shops.

Scott Mann: Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, anyone who is in the business of selling animals as pets, including rabbits, needs a valid licence from their local authority. Licensees must meet strict statutory minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers to issue, refuse or revoke licences. The 2018 Regulations are supported by statutory guidance which provides specific information about the keeping of rabbits for sale: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities. We are always seeking to learn from the implementation of legislation and make improvements where necessary. The 2018 Regulations are due to be reviewed five years after they came into force (2023). Work is underway on the review and my officials are working with partners, including local authorities, sector groups and trade associations to collate data that can provide a picture of licensed and unlicensed activities involving animals in England. This is an ongoing project and one which will benefit from close involvement of the sector in the development of a strong evidence base.

Home Office

Migrant Workers: Care Workers

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Care Quality Commission shares information on the (a) personal data and (b) immigration status of workers with Immigration Enforcement following inspections of (i) care homes and (ii) providers.

Tom Pursglove: Following the inspection of care homes and/or providers, the Care Quality Commission may make a referral to Immigration Enforcement via the ‘Report Immigration Crime’ tool on gov.uk. This referral may include personal data which could relate to immigration offenders.

Firearms: Seized Articles

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Table 8 of the Border Force transparency data published by her Department on 29 September 2022, how many seizures categorised as parts of guns are included in the totals for (a) lethal firearms in each quarter from April 2018 to March 2020 and (b) non-lethal firearms in each quarter from April 2020 to June 2022.

Tom Pursglove: Please note that there was a change in the firearms definition in March 2021, items recorded under the sub category of ‘parts of guns’ moved from being classed as lethal to non-lethal. The data from 2020/21 has been refreshed in line with this change and from April 2020 they were counted as non-lethal firearms.The following table provides the breakdown requested: Time Period 2Number of seizures of parts of gunsTransparency breakdown  Lethal / Non-lethalQ2 2018 - April to June 201817LethalQ3 2018 - July to September 20185LethalQ4 2018 - October to November 201815LethalQ1 2019 - January to March 20197LethalQ2 2019 - April to June 201915LethalQ3 2019 - July to September 201915LethalQ4 2019 - October to November 201920LethalQ1 2020 - January to March 2020 223LethalQ2 2020 - April to June 202025Non-lethalQ3 2020 - July to September 202014Non-lethalQ4 2020 - October to November 202015Non-lethalQ1 2021 - January to March 202114Non-lethalQ2 2021 - April to June 202111Non-lethalQ3 2021 - July to September 202122Non-lethalQ4 2021 - October to November 20214Non-lethalQ1 2022 - January to March 202212Non-lethalQ2 2022 - April to June 2022*-Non-lethal Notes1. These figures have been taken from a live operational database. As such, numbers may change as information on that system is updated.2. Data for January to March 2020 has been taken from two different data sources, due to Border Force moving to a new system for recording seizures. The data sets have been checked for duplicates.3. This breakdown of data is not in the public domain; the published Border Force Transparency data only show the number of seizures broken down by lethal and non-lethal.

NHS: Migrant Workers

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many NHS workers had unresolved visa cases as of 1 October 2022.

Tom Pursglove: Applications for Health and Social Care visas are open to those seeking to work in private healthcare, as well as NHS facilities. The Home Office does not publish details on applications from specific types of employers in this sector.

Immigration and Passports: Applications

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on 1 October 2022, (a) how many asylum claims were awaiting decision (b) how many Indefinite Leave to Remain applications were outstanding and not decided and (c) how many passport applications had waited longer than 12 weeks to be processed fully.

Tom Pursglove: a) The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on asylum applications awaiting a decision can be found in table Asy_D03 of the ‘asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’. Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbooks. Please note the data show a snapshot as at the last day of each quarter, rather than the number of asylum applications awaiting a decision over the entire quarter. The latest data relates to as at 30 June 2022. Data as at 30 September 2022 will be published on 24 November 2022. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’. b) As we do not hold data in the format requested, the Home Office cannot provide that answer without disproportionate cost, as the requested information could not be provided without a manual search of all the applications per year.  c) Of the passport applications that completed processing in the week ending 2 October, 5,631 had been with His Majesty’s Passport Office for more than 12 weeks. This includes international applications with a published indicative processing time of more than 12 weeks. Figures come from a live database which is constantly changing and therefore these numbers are subject to change.

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the total amount of additional compensation that has been awarded to claimants who have received increased offers of compensation after requesting a Tier 1 Windrush Compensation Claim Review.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the total amount of additional compensation that has been awarded to claimants who have received increased offers of compensation after requesting a Tier 2 Windrush Compensation Claim Review.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office have received your Freedom of Information request, dated 28 September 2022, requesting the same data as this question and will respond to this question in that FOI response.

Asylum: Interviews

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers in England are awaiting an asylum interview.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office is unable to state what the average waiting time is for an asylum interview, or how many asylum claimants were awaiting their asylum interview because this information is not held in a reportable format, not routinely published and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.However, the Home Office does publish data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration, for main claimant only. This data can be found at Asy_04 of the published Immigration Statistics:List of tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations. All asylum claims are considered on a case by case basis and in line with published policy, without unnecessary delay so that individuals who need protection and are granted asylum can start to integrate and rebuild their lives.

Asylum: Interviews

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in England, what is the average waiting time for an asylum interview.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office is unable to state what the average waiting time is for an asylum interview, or how many asylum claimants were awaiting their asylum interview because this information is not held in a reportable format, not routinely published and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.However, the Home Office does publish data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration, for main claimant only. This data can be found at Asy_04 of the published Immigration Statistics:List of tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations. All asylum claims are considered on a case by case basis and in line with published policy, without unnecessary delay so that individuals who need protection and are granted asylum can start to integrate and rebuild their lives.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of applications to the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme have been granted.

Tom Pursglove: We are continuing the process to grant Indefinite Leave to Remain to all eligible individuals who arrived during the evacuation: officials have already registered over 13,000 (and counting) applications for resettlement from Afghans in the UK, with biometric residence permits being issued accordingly. In the meantime, applicants remain eligible to work and access services under their continuing leave.At 12 August 2022, we have granted Indefinite Leave to Remain to 11,303 individuals across the ARAP and ACRS, since they opened in April 2021 and Jan 2022, respectively. We are unable, at this time, to provide a breakdown of whether a grant of leave was made under the ARAP or the ACRS Pathway 1. Work is underway to assure information relating to all the individuals relocated under the ARAP and ACRS on case working systems. Once this work concludes, statistics on both schemes - including the number of people resettled under each - will be included in future editions of the Immigration Statistics.   More information on the number of grants of Indefinite Leave to Remain issued to Afghans resettling under the ARAP or ACRS can be viewed at:   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data.

Migrant Workers: Wind Power

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 29 June 2022 to Question 24576 on Migrant Workers: Wind Power, whether non-EEA resident offshore workers will be required to obtain a Home Office sponsor licence in order to work on offshore wind projects in (a) UK territorial waters and (b) the UK Exclusive Economic Zone after 31 October 2022.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an estimate of the number of foreign nationals that joined vessels in UK ports working on offshore wind farm projects in UK territorial waters in each year from 2017 to 2022.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Offshore wind workers Immigration Rules concession 2017 in meeting skills shortages in the offshore wind industry.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many employers have used the Offshore wind workers Immigration Rules concession 2017 between its introduction in 2017 and October 2022.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) monitoring and (b) consultative mechanisms her Department has used advise on extensions to the Offshore wind workers Immigration Rules concession 2017.

Tom Pursglove: All foreign national workers coming to work in UK territorial waters need permission to work before starting work in the UK, unless they are covered by an exemption.The Home Office does not collect or store the data on the number of overseas nationals working under the concession in the offshore industry in the UK from 2017 to date.We do not collect information on employers using the concession. The Government has no plans to publish information on individual companies which is consistent with the policy across the wider immigration system.The Government regularly reviews the existence of concessions against the general principles of the immigration system to check whether they are necessary and regularly undertakes engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. This will continue to be the case in future.

Autism and Learning Disabilities: Finance

Ed Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that people with autism and learning disabilities are protected from financial fraud.

Tom Tugendhat: We know that fraudsters will use any means they can, including through highly deceptive and sophisticated techniques, to trick people into handing over their hard-earned money. We recognise that for the most vulnerable this can be particularly stressful and damaging however, we are focused on stopping unscrupulous fraudsters in their tracks and supporting victims so they can recover and protect themselves going forward.Raising awareness and safeguarding victims will form a key part of the Government’s forthcoming fraud strategy. We are already taking concrete steps to protect the most vulnerable victims:We are working with industry to do more to protect victims from fraud. We have re-launched the Joint Fraud Taskforce (JFT) which brings together the public and private sectors to combat fraud and agreed voluntary sector charters with the banking, telecommunications and accountancy sectors that among other things have resulted in less scam messages reaching victims.We continue to support the National Trading Standards on the roll out of call blocking devices to vulnerable people and the National Economic Crime Centre have recently provided further funding for the delivery of additional devices. These devices have helped to provide protection against nuisance and scam calls.We have established the Victims of Fraud Working Group which works to bring together key stakeholders from law enforcement, victim support services and the private sector to create a forum to discuss the victim support landscape, share best practice, close vulnerabilities in the system and ensure that victims of fraud and cyber crime are consistently receiving the right level of support.

Catalytic Converters: Theft

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the trends in the level of catalytic converter theft in (a) England and (b) Staffordshire; and whether she will make such theft a specific criminal offence.

Jeremy Quin: The Home Office collects and publishes data annually on the number of theft offences, arrests and charges. However, we do not hold data centrally on the number of catalytic converter thefts, as data is collected at offence group level only and cannot be broken down further.The Office for National Statistics publishes data on metal theft offences, broken down by police force area. The latest figures, to the year ending March 2022 are published here:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/focusonpropertycrimeappendixtables.Theft is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years. There is sufficient clarity and sentencing power within existing legislation and there are no plans to make catalytic converter theft a specific offence. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 also made it a criminal offence for a dealer to buy scrap metal for cash, including a requirement for scrap metal dealers to verify the identity of those selling scrap metal and record details of metal received. Enforcement of the Act is key to tackling catalytic converter theft.This Government remains committed to tackling these thefts, including through providing seed corn funding in 2020/21 to establish the NICRP, which is ensuring national co-ordination of policing and law enforcement partners to tackle metal theft. The NICRP (National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership) has co-ordinated a number of multi-agency national weeks of action, resulting in 92 arrests, over 2,000 site visits, over 1,000 stolen catalytic converters recovered, and forensic marking of the catalytic converters of over 3,000 vehicles. This has helped promote awareness, with over 1,000 officers trained in enforcement powers.

Visas: Standards

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to provide visa applicants with information on the service standard for visa applications.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office has updated guidance on expected waiting times so that customers have a realistic indication of how long their applications will take to be processed.Our website (www.gov.uk) provides up to date information on our visa processing times for visit, work and study applications. We encourage customers to continue to refer to these updates as our processing times change on a regular basis. We continue to prioritise any urgent, compelling, or compassionate cases.

Visas: Applications

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the expected service standard is for each type of visa application.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office has updated guidance on expected waiting times so that customers have a realistic indication of how long their applications will take to be processed.Our website (Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) provides up to date information on our visa processing times for visit, work and study applications. We encourage customers to continue to refer to these updates as our processing times change on a regular basis. We continue to prioritise any urgent, compelling, or compassionate cases.

Bail

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what will happen in cases where suspects have been released under investigation when new regulations on pre-charge bail come into force; and whether these suspects will be converted to pre-charge bail following their re-arrest.

Jeremy Quin: Transitional arrangements for the pre-charge bail provisions within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act state that only individuals who are arrested after the commencement of these provisions will be dealt with under the new system.Individuals who were arrested and Released Under Investigation before the reforms are implemented will continue to be subject to the existing process.Decisions on whether to place individuals on pre-charge bail are, and will continue to be, matters for police forces to consider, taking into account all of the risks.

Special Constables: Recruitment

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her department is taking to increase recruitment of Special Constables.

Jeremy Quin: The Government recognises and values the professionalism, dedication and sacrifice shown by special constables in their work. The Home Office continues to work closely with its policing partners the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) on the Citizens in Policing Programme and the National Strategy for the Special Constabulary (2018 - 2023), and the College of Policing. These partnerships support the development of a national approach to the attraction, retention and training of special constables.All decisions on the recruitment, size, composition of a police force’s workforce are a local matter for individual chief officers and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). Individual forces decide how best to recognise and reward police volunteering contributions whether that be in the form of allowances, benefits or expenses as part of their retention and attraction plans. Individual PCCs and chief officers are best placed to make decisions within their communities based on their local knowledge and experience. Chief officers can also make use of available national guidance set by the College of Policing.

Asylum: Afghanistan

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) refugees and (b) asylum seekers from Afghanistan are currently living in hotels.

Tom Pursglove: Through Operation Warm Welcome, Afghans resettling in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will be supported in accessing accommodation alongside the vital health, education, and support into employment they need, to fully integrate into society.As stated in the recently published, 'Afghan Resettlement: Operational Data' factsheet, at 12 August 2022, the UK:Has welcomed 21,450 people to the UK from Afghanistan - or a neighbouring country - since June 2021.Is providing temporary accommodation for 9,667 people in hotels.Officials are working at pace to assure information relating to the individuals resettling in the UK under our bespoke schemes for Afghans on case working systems. Once this work concludes, the Home Office will include Afghan resettlement statistics in its quarterly Immigration Statistics publications.Until then the factsheet will be updated every quarter – with the next iteration scheduled for publication on 24 November 2022.

Monarchy

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any members of the public have been arrested for expressing republican views since 8 September; what steps she is taking to protect freedom of speech; and if she will make a statement.

Jeremy Quin: This Government supports the peaceful practice of free speech. Individuals have the right to express republican views if they wish to do so. This does not permit or excuse breaches of the law, for example Public Order Legislation, where these apply.

Police: Firearms

Richard Foord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that police shooting ranges (a) have adequate boundaries and (b) operate at times that ensure (i) maximum safety and (ii) minimum disruption to local residents.

Jeremy Quin: Decisions around training arrangements are an operational matter for Chief Officers who are best placed with the skills and expertise to determine requirements and to manage any risks associated with training. Safe areas are implemented around live fire facilities and they are subject to stringent planning permissions which must include consideration of any disruption to members of the public.

Stop and Search: Romford

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many instances the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been authorised in Romford.

Jeremy Quin: The Home Office does not collect regular information on how many instances the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been authorised.The Home Office collects and publishes data on stop and searches carried out under Section 60 of Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994). Data are published at Police Force Area level only. The latest data cover the period to the year ending March 2021, and can be accessed here: Police powers and procedures: Stop and search and arrests, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2021 second edition - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Data covering the year ending March 2022 are due to be published on Thursday 27 October 2022.

Barbecues: Public Places

Mrs Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of banning disposable BBQs in public places, given the impact on emergency service resources in having to deal with fires on moors and outdoor spaces.

Jeremy Quin: The Government is looking at the impact of disposable barbecues, as part of a research project led by Defra. Depending on the evidence, we will of course examine appropriate responses.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Afghan citizens resettlement scheme applications (a) have been concluded and (b) are outstanding.

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications have (a) been concluded and (b) are outstanding under the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme.

Tom Pursglove: We are continuing the process to grant Indefinite Leave to Remain to all eligible individuals who arrived during the evacuation: officials have already registered over 13,000 (and counting) applications for resettlement from Afghans in the UK, with biometric residence permits being issued accordingly. In the meantime, applicants remain eligible to work and access services under their continuing leave.At 12 August 2022, we have granted Indefinite Leave to Remain to 11,303 individuals across the ARAP and ACRS, since they opened in April 2021 and January 2022, respectively. We are unable, at this time, to provide a breakdown of whether a grant of leave was made under the ARAP or the ACRS Pathway 1. Work is underway to assure information relating to all the individuals relocated under the ARAP and ACRS on case working systems. Once this work concludes, statistics on both schemes - including the number of people resettled under each - will be included in future editions of the Immigration Statistics.More information on the number of grants of Indefinite Leave to Remain issued to Afghans resettling under the ARAP or ACRS can be viewed at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data.

Psilocybin

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what evidence her Department uses to support the classification of psilocybin as a Class A drug.

Jeremy Quin: The Government has not commissioned or published any recent analysis of the harms of psilocybin. Psilocybin, as an “ester of psilocin”, is controlled as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (the 1971 Act) and is placed in Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Psilocin is also subject to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, to which the United Kingdom is signatory.A number of drugs which have been controlled under the 1971 Act for a considerable period of time have not been subject to analysis or recent analysis of harm. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs regularly provides advice on the harms of drugs, and these are published on the gov.uk website.

Forced Marriage

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) evaluate the impact of the Forced Marriage Unit’s outreach programme in (i) raising awareness of forced marriage and (ii) delivering training to statutory agencies and voluntary and community organisations.

Mims Davies: The Government is committed to tackling forced marriage in all its forms. The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), a joint Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office unit, leads on the Government’s forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. It operates both inside the UK (where support is provided to any individual) and overseas (where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals).One of the FMU’s core activities is to undertake an extensive training and awareness programme targeted at statutory agencies and voluntary and community organisations. This approach aims to ensure that people working with victims are fully informed about how to approach cases of forced marriage. The unit runs monthly workshops, alternately for police officers and social workers, and the FMU also delivers bespoke presentations to individual organisations and fora on request. Through these activities, the FMU reached 1,014 professionals in 2021. The unit has also developed a free online forced marriage e-learning course for relevant professionals, which aims to enable them to recognise the warning signs of forced marriage and ensure that appropriate action is taken to help protect and support all those at risk.The FMU solicits feedback from the attendees of its workshops, to help to ensure that it is having the greatest possible impact; as an example, feedback from the last workshop held in September 2022 for social care staff showed that:- 76% of those who responded found the workshop extremely useful and 24% found it very useful.- 87% of the respondents also stated that they were extremely likely to recommend the workshop to a colleague and 10% said that they were very likely to do so.

Forced Marriage

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department is using the 2019 consultation on mandatory reporting of forced marriage to safeguard victims of forced marriage and understand the scale of forced marriage in the UK.

Mims Davies: The Government is absolutely committed to tackling forced marriage in all its forms, and to safeguarding victims. The joint Home Office/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Forced Marriage Unit provided support for 337 victims or potential victims of forced marriage in 2021, as well as handling 868 general enquiries, and in the same year it delivered training and outreach activity to 1,014 professionals. The Government also provides a free e-learning course about forced marriage for professionals, a victim-focused leaflet available in 12 languages, and a handbook for survivors.The Government supported the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, which expands the scope of the forced marriage offence to cover all instances of causing a child to marry, even when coercion is not used. The Act is planned to come into force on 27 February 2023.To understand the scale of forced marriage in the UK, as set out in the July 2021 Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the Home Office is exploring options to estimate the prevalence of forced marriage (and female genital mutilation) in England and Wales, given their hidden nature and the lack of robust estimates.In working to safeguard victims of forced marriage the Government pays attention to a range of sources of information, including responses to consultations and other engagement with stakeholders and experts.

Members: Correspondence

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 8 September 2022 from the hon. Member for Walton on Mehrnoosh Khajvand.

Tom Pursglove: I apologise for the delay in the department responding to the Hon. Member. The Home Office responded on 12 October 2022.

Asylum: Children

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has taken recent steps to help ensure that application registration cards are issued quickly to unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are travelling to Scottish island authorities to allow them to travel by air rather than by road and sea.

Tom Pursglove: Work is ongoing to improve the speed at which ARC are issued for children transferring to local authority care placements, where it is considered necessary to facilitate air travel. We work closely with local authorities on the most suitable method of travel for an individual child.Where an unaccompanied asylum seeking child (UASC) is temporarily accommodated in a hotel and not in the care of a local authority, the Home Office is able to arrange transport for the UASC to the local authority care placement. It is open to receiving local authorities themselves to arrange the transport and to accompany the child on their journey from the hotel to the care placement.

Members: Correspondence

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester Gorton of 14 June 2022, 22 July 2022, 5 August 2022, 19 August 2022 and 22 September 2022, reference AK51624.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department intends to reply to correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester Gorton dated 10 June 2022, 12 July 2022, 22 July 2022, 5 August 2022, and 22 September 2022, reference AK54045.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester Gorton of 28 June 2022, 22 July 2022 and 22 September 2022, reference AK54424.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester Gorton of 29 June 2022, 3 August 2022 and 22 September 2022, reference AK54428.

Tom Pursglove: I apologise for the delay. UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded on 12 October 2022 to these enquiries.

UK Border Force: Patrol Craft

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the (a) schedule and (b) budget for replacing the Border Force’s fleet of five cutters and six coastal patrol vessels.

Tom Pursglove: The schedule for replacing the Border Force’s fleet of five cutters and six coastal patrol vessels is, as set out in the refresh of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, framed around the existing vessels approaching the end of their lives and requiring replacement over the next five years. This timeframe is subject to confirmation, reflecting factors such as requirement specification, procurement approach and supplier capacity.The Budget on 27 October 2021 announced funding of £74m over the Spending Review period. The full cost of the programme, including beyond the Spending Review period remains to be confirmed, reflecting supplier and other engagement.

Migrants: Cost of Living

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impacts of rises in the cost of living to people with no recourse to public funds.

Tom Pursglove: The Government has no plans to revoke the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy. It is a well-established principle that migrants coming to the UK should be able to maintain and support themselves and their families without reliance on the welfare system. This protects taxpayer-funded public services from becoming overburdened. Successive governments have taken the view that access to benefits and other publicly funded services should reflect the strength of a migrant’s connections to the UK and, in the main, only become available to migrants when they have become settled here with indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Migrants: Cost of Living

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of revoking no recourse to public funds in light of rises in the cost of living.

Tom Pursglove: The Government has no plans to revoke the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy. It is a well-established principle that migrants coming to the UK should be able to maintain and support themselves and their families without reliance on the welfare system. This protects taxpayer-funded public services from becoming overburdened. Successive governments have taken the view that access to benefits and other publicly funded services should reflect the strength of a migrant’s connections to the UK and, in the main, only become available to migrants when they have become settled here with indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Visas

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the review on Tier 1 Investor Visas will be published.

Tom Pursglove: I am aware of previous commitments in respect of this review and will respond to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the issue as soon as possible.

Members: Correspondence

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 14 July 2022, 16 August 2022, 7 September 2022 and 23 September 2022, reference AK46916.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 8 July 2022, 19 August 2022 and 22 September 2022, reference AK54670.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 27 July 2022, 1 September 2022, and 23 September 2022, reference AK47238.

Tom Pursglove: I apologise for the delay. UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded on 13 October 2022.

Members: Correspondence

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 6 July 2022, 19 August 2022 and 23 September 2022, reference AK54602.

Tom Pursglove: UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded on 25 August 2022.

Members: Correspondence

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 29 June 2022, 5 August 2022 and 22 September 2022, reference AK54442.

Tom Pursglove: UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded on 21 July 2022.

Migrant Workers: Care Workers

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) reports of exploitation in the care sector were received and (b) how many inspections were conducted on (i) care homes and (ii) businesses by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority in each year since 2018-19.

Tom Pursglove: The overall regulation of care homes is administered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rather than the Gangmaster Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The CQC monitors, inspects, and independently regulates services of health and adult social care in England. The standard CQC Whistleblowing Policy applies to exploited care workers raising concerns. The GLAA undertakes inspections of businesses in their licenced sectors, which does not currently include care homes.The Government does not hold a breakdown of data by labour market sector for the time periods requested. However, the GLAA has conducted visits to care homes as part of enforcement activity.Labour market enforcement bodies set up Operation TOPAZ in May. This is a multi-agency enforcement operation to investigate a range of allegations about the adult care sector. The operation is in its initial stages and the allegations range from labour market offences, such as charging for work finding fees, potential non-payment of National Minimum Wage, to wider issues such as illegal working and student visa abuse. The GLAA lead work on the higher level of exploitative abuses, such as potential debt bondage and modern slavery.We are developing a robust evidence base that will underpin our strategy to manage risks across the adult care sector.

General Practitioners: Migrant Workers

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to increase the number of indefinite leave to remain applications from international medical graduates who have undertaken general practitioner training.

Tom Pursglove: Being granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) allows an individual to work in the UK permanently without being subject to immigration control. International medical graduates (IMGs) who have undertaken GP training are eligible to apply for ILR after completing five years on the Health and Care visa route, in line with IMGs in other fields and work visa routes in general.

Members: Correspondence

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Walton of 8 September 2022 on Yadgar Khalid.

Tom Pursglove: I apologise for the delay in the department responding to the Hon. Member. The Home Office responded on 12 October 2022.

Asylum: Applications

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 September 2022 to Question 45768 on Asylum: Applications and with reference to the report by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration entitled An inspection of asylum casework, published in November 2021, when she plans to reintroduce a service standard; and what recent steps Asylum Operations has taken to achieve this.

Tom Pursglove: The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).We have already made progress in prioritising older claims, high harm cases, those cases with extreme vulnerability, children and new flow cases, following the introduction of the Nationality & Borders Act, whilst those in receipt of support are a priority for legacy cases.Whilst we are unable to offer specific timescales to individuals at this time, we are working hard to improve the level of service we provide to those who claim asylum. We are continually reviewing the recommendation from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration’s (ICIBI) published report; however, changes being brought about by the New Plan for Immigration will impact on the way asylum claims are handled and these will be addressed as part of the process to develop a service standard.

Members: Correspondence

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth of (a) 27 June and (b) 26 July 2022 on a visa renewal application for further leave to remain.

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth of 7 July 2022 on a biometric residence permit application.

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth of (a) 20 May and (b) 26 June 2022 on an outstanding asylum application.

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth of (a) 20 May and (b) 21 June 2022 on an asylum application.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 11 October 2022.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Rented Housing: Standards

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the Levelling Up White Paper, published by his Department on 2 February 2022, whether it is still his Department's policy to halve the number of non-decent homes in the rented sector by 2030.

Andrew Stephenson: The Government remains committed to levelling up the country and tackling non-decency. The Government has committed to review the Decent Homes Standard to make sure it is fit for the present day and responses from a recent consultation on a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector are currently being analysed. For those who live in poor quality social housing, we have introduced new legislation to improve the quality and regulation of social housing, give residents performance information so they can hold their landlord to account and ensure that when residents make a complaint, landlords take quick and effective action to put things right.

Refugees: Ukraine

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make it his policy to allow those currently on the Ukraine Family Scheme to switch to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Andrew Stephenson: The Ukraine Family Scheme was set up to act as a light touch, temporary alternative to the existing family migration routes which existed before the Ukraine conflict.The UK-based family member is expected to provide support and accommodation for those coming to join them under the Family Scheme. We are aware however that in some cases, living arrangements for those on this scheme have not been able to be maintained.We have been engaging with stakeholders in local government, the devolved administrations, and the voluntary and community sector in order to inform the consideration of our options for the Ukraine visa schemes.

Refugees: Ukraine

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the parity of funding and support available from the Government for individuals on the Ukraine Family Scheme compared to those on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Andrew Stephenson: The Ukraine Family Scheme is intended as a light touch, temporary, alternative to the existing family routes which existed before the Ukraine conflict, where public services are funded out of council budgets and the same principle is applied here The UK-based family member is expected to provide support and accommodation for those coming to join them, who in turn benefit from the wider integration advantages in joining an existing family network.   Homes for Ukraine on the other hand is a unique scheme that has been set up specifically to support those escaping the conflict in Ukraine who are not able to rely on family support. The Government is providing additional funding to local councils which includes resource to enable them to carry out sponsorship-specific functions such as safeguarding checks and property checks, administering payments, as well as providing support such as English language training to help their integration into communities.

Regional Planning and Development: Inflation

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what financial support is available to local authorities to ensure the delivery of Levelling Up Fund projects impacted by inflation.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Regional Planning and Development: Inflation

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps the Department is taking to support local authorities to deliver Levelling Up Fund projects facing inflationary pressures.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Local Government: County Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the Government's progress in agreeing a devolved County Deal with Durham County Council.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coastal Areas: Economic Growth

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what plans his department has to bring forward a strategy to grow the economies of coastal communities.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coastal Areas: Finance

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what plans his Department has to increase targeted funding to coastal communities.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Levelling Up Fund

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department will take to ensure the full completion of successful bids to the first round of the Levelling Up Fund that are facing inflationary pressures on costs.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Regional Planning and Development: Inflation

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether the Department has undertaken an analysis of the increased costs associated with the delivery of the first round of Levelling Up projects due to inflation since successful bids were first awarded.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coastal Areas: Regional Planning and Development

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what plans his Department has to support industrial maritime projects in coastal communities.

Dehenna Davison: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Durham County Council: Finance

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department has had recent discussions with Durham County Council on its projected budgetary deficit.

Paul Scully: My department regularly speaks to councils across the country about a wide variety of issues including their financial position. I can confirm that my officials met with officers from Durham County Council earlier this year, as part of this regular programme of engagement.

Housing: Sales

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a scheme to help private tenants buy their current home similar to the Help to Buy scheme.

Lee Rowley: The Government is committed to helping people into home ownership, and helping first time buyers, including those currently renting, to get on the housing ladder. We operate a range of government schemes including Help to Buy, First Homes, Shared Ownership, Lifetime ISA and mortgage guarantee scheme; and we continually keep options to support first-time buyers under consideration.

Housing

Sarah Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the standard method for calculating local housing need provided by his Department for local authorities.

Lee Rowley: The standard method for calculating local housing need has been in place since 2018. The Government keeps all elements of its policies under review and, should there be announcements to make, will do so in the usual way and in due course.

Housing: Construction

Simon Lightwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities,  what his policy is on housebuilders that fail to complete housing developments in the timescales they have committed to; and what steps his Department is taking to help ensure housebuilders deliver on their housebuilding timeline commitment to house buyers.

Lee Rowley: The government is clear that developments should be built out as soon as possible. However, there can be genuine reasons why developments are built out at slower than expected rates, including delays in the provision of supporting infrastructure or wider economic issues.In cases of problematic delay, local authorities already have powers to issue completion notices that encourage developers to complete unfinished sites. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently going through the legislative process, contains a number of other provisions which, if agreed by Parliament, will offer additional powers in this area.

Humber Estuary: Coastal Erosion

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the guidance Flood risk and coastal change, dated 25 August 2022, whether the Humber estuary can be defined as a Coastal Change Management Area if it meets the criteria in the guidance.

Lee Rowley: As per the Planning Practice Guidance of 25 August 2022, such decisions should be taken by the relevant local planning authority.

Land Use: Wildlife

Selaine Saxby: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a designation for wildbelt land.

Lee Rowley: The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) already makes clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by providing net gains where possible and acknowledges the importance that green and open space make to achieving sustainable development.Government will continue to explore the options for protecting our wild and natural spaces while delivering homes where they are needed.

Northern Ireland Office

Electronic Equipment: Electric Cables

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with (a) his cabinet colleagues and (b) his counterparts in the European Union in relation to proposals in the European Union to introduce a common charging cable for mobile phones and laptops.

Mr Steve Baker: The UK Government has a firm resolve to fix the problems of the Protocol, problems that I have heard articulated so clearly from people across Northern Ireland. In the meantime, manufacturers will continue to supply products to the UK market to meet consumer demand.

Treasury

Public Finance and Taxation: Equality

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential equalities impact of the Growth Plan 2022 on (a) women, (b) Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, (c) disabled people and (d) LGBT+ people.

Edward Argar: In developing the proposals outlined at the recent fiscal event, the Treasury followed rigorous processes to ensure compliance with legal requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in the Equality Act 2010 to carefully consider the impact of its decisions on those sharing protected characteristics. This is in line with both our legal obligations under the Act and with our strong commitment to promoting fairness.

Energy Price Guarantee

Stephen Farry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the Government's Energy Price Guarantee on the Barnett consequential entitlement for Northern Ireland.

Edward Argar: The Energy Price Guarantee is a scheme that will cap the unit price households pay for electricity and gas, which means that a typical household in Great Britain will have to pay bills equivalent to no more than £2500 a year on their energy bills this winter. The Prime Minister announced that equivalent support will be available for Northern Ireland and this will be in place by November, and backdated to cover October bills from November. As the UK Government is providing support directly across the UK, there will be no associated Barnett consequentials for the devolved administrations in line with the usual operation of the Barnett formula.

Cost of Living Payments

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to introduce targeted cost of living support for people who do not qualify for any form of benefit but are under state pension age.

Edward Argar: The government understands that people across the UK are worried about the rising cost of living, and has taken decisive action to get households and businesses through this Winter and the next, while ensuring action in a fiscally responsible way. The government has already announced £37 billion of support for this financial year. This includes one-off Cost of Living Payments for millions of the most vulnerable households – including low-income households eligible for means-tested benefits, people with a disability, and pensioners. However, all households have been feeling the pressure of rising energy prices and it is right that the government steps in to help everyone. That is why the government has announced the Energy Price Guarantee, which means that a typical UK household will have to pay bills equivalent to no more than £2500 a year on their energy bills this winter.This comes in addition to the £400 discount already announced through the Energy Bills Support Scheme.For households that are not eligible for one-off Cost of Living Payments or for families that need additional support, the government has provided £1.5 billion total funding towards the cost of essentials, including a further six-month extension to the Household Support Fund from October 2022 to March 2023. The fund is distributed by Local Authorities in England through small payments to support vulnerable households to meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities.

Food: VAT

Ian Byrne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of permanently reducing the rate of VAT for (a) food and (b) beverages on (i) pubs and (ii) the wider hospitality industry in (A) Liverpool, (B) West Derby constituency and (C) the UK.

Richard Fuller: The VAT reduced rate for the hospitality sector was a temporary measure designed to support the cash flow and viability of sectors that have been severely affected by COVID-19. It was appropriate that as restrictions were lifted and demand for goods and services in these sectors increased, the temporary tax reliefs were first reduced and then removed in order to rebuild and strengthen the public finances. According to OBR forecasts, VAT will have raised approximately £135 billion in 2021-22, helping to fund key spending priorities such as important public services, including the NHS and policing. In addition, this request should be viewed in the context of over £50 billion of requests for relief from VAT received since the EU referendum. While there are no plans to reduce the rate of VAT on food, beverages, pubs or the wider hospitality industry, the Government keeps all taxes under review.

Public Houses: Business Rates

Ian Byrne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of reducing business rates for pubs to the level paid by other small businesses on (a) pubs and (b) the wider hospitality industry in (i) Liverpool, (ii) West Derby constituency and (iii) the UK.

Richard Fuller: With the conclusion of the Business Rates Review, the Government has delivered meaningful reform and tax cuts worth almost £7 billion to business over the next five years. Businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector, including pubs, currently receive a tax cut worth almost £1.7 billion in 2022-23. Eligible properties receive 50 per cent off their business rates bill, up to a maximum of £110,000 per business. In addition, around 700,000 properties are currently in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR), including pubs. Combined with Small Business Rates Relief, this means over 90 per cent of retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses will receive at least 50 per cent off their rates bills in 2022-23. We do not hold data on the number of these businesses that are pubs. The Government also froze the multiplier for 2022-23, which is a tax cut worth £4.6 billion to businesses over the next 5 years. The announcements at Autumn Budget 2021 builds on over £16 billion of business rates support already provided to the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors throughout the pandemic, including a business rates holiday for 2020-21 and a scheme worth £6 billion in 2021-22. Announcements on Business Rates for the upcoming financial year will be made in due course.

Treasury: Protective Clothing

Angela Rayner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many civil servants are employed in his Department to oversee the storage of personal protective equipment.

Felicity Buchan: HM Treasury is in regular contact with DHSC as the lead department on PPE storage, as part of its role maintaining oversight of DHSC’s £178.5bn budget and financial performance. On a day-to-day basis the oversight of PPE storage is carried out by, on average, approximately 0.25 full time equivalent staff in HM Treasury.

Tax Avoidance

Ian Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will order an independent review into the Loan Charge.

Drew Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of an independent inquiry into the Loan Charge.

Richard Fuller: The 2019 Independent Loan Charge Review drew upon all the available evidence and expert advice to consider the appropriateness of the Loan Charge policy, and its impact on individuals, reflecting the main concerns that had been raised by MPs and campaigners. The Government accepted all but one of the twenty recommendations in the review. While there are no plans for a further independent review, the Government continues to look carefully at this issue to ensure that we provide taxpayers with all the support they need.

Shipping: Minimum Wage

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how the National Minimum Wage for Seafarers on UK flagged ships is monitored; and what plans his Department has to publish monitoring data.

Richard Fuller: The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) receives it. HMRC does not routinely publish sector specific data on NMW complaints received. However, since April 2021, they have received the following number of complaints from seafarers and third-party information (from members of the public who may not work for a specific employer) since April 2021: YearComplaints ReceivedThird Party Information Received2021-229112022-2342Total:1313  HMRC consider and take all complaints seriously from workers referred by the Acas helpline, or received via the online complaints form, and investigate as appropriate. HMRC do not just rely on complaints. They also undertake proactive enforcement activities, based on their own risk modelling, and undertaking outreach activities to help employers understand their obligations and making sure workers know their rights If anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage, they can contact Acas, in confidence, on 0300 123 1100 or submit a query online using the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints.

Stamp Duty Land Tax: Costs

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to the Treasury of his proposed cuts to stamp duty.

Richard Fuller: On 23 September 2022, the Chancellor announced a permanent cut to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The Government has increased the nil-rate threshold for residential SDLT from £125,000 to £250,000 as part of the Growth Plan. The nil-rate threshold for first-time buyers has also been increased from £300,000 to £425,000. The maximum property value for which First Time Buyers Relief can be claimed increased from £500,000 to £625,000. The Government currently estimate this measure will have the following Exchequer impact:2022-23: -£795 million2023-24: -£1,450 million2024-25: -£1,535 million2025-26: -£1,595 million2026-27: -£1,655 million These figures are set out in Table 4.2 of the Growth Plan 2022, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-documents

Interest Rates: Hornsey and Wood Green

Catherine West: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the increase in interest rates on (a) homeowners and (b) mortgage availability in Hornsey and Wood Green constituency.

Andrew Griffith: There are c.28.1 million households in the UK, 8.4 million of which have a residential mortgage. Around 75% of residential mortgage borrowers are on fixed-rate deals and are therefore shielded from interest rate rises in the short term. When mortgage borrowers are in financial difficulty and struggling to pay their mortgage, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to provide support through tailored forbearance options. This could include measures such as a payment holiday, partial payment, or an extension of mortgage term. The Government has also taken a number of measures aimed at helping people to avoid repossession, including Support for Mortgage Interest loans for those in receipt of an income-related benefit, and protection in the courts through the Pre-Action Protocol, which makes it clear that repossession must always be the last resort for lenders. There remains a broad range of mortgage products on the market, and those looking to take out a mortgage are encouraged to shop around and speak to a mortgage broker. The pricing and availability of loans is a commercial decision for lenders in which the Government does not intervene.

Crispin Odey

David Linden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had any meetings with Mr Crispin Odey since 1 August 2022.

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he had discussions with (a) Crispin Odey, (b) other representatives of Odey Asset Management and (c) representatives of other hedge funds in the (i) two weeks prior and (ii) three days after his statement to the House on 22 September 2022.

David Linden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has met Crispin Odey since 6 September 2022.

Andrew Griffith: Treasury ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel.

Banks: Closures

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of bank branch closures in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Tamworth in the last five years; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure people have reasonable access to local banking services.

Andrew Griffith: The way people bank in the UK continues to develop at pace, with more consumers and businesses than ever enjoying the convenience, security, and speed of digital banking. In 2021, 86% of UK adults used a form of remote banking, such as an app, online or on the phone. Banking customers have never had more choice in how they fit their banking into their everyday lives. The Government believes that all customers, wherever they live, should have appropriate access to banking services. However, decisions on opening and closing branches are a commercial issue for banks and building societies. The Government does not intervene in these decisions or make direct assessments of these branch networks. As part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill 2022, the Government has introduced legislation to protect access to cash. The Bill protects access to cash by establishing the Financial Conduct Authority as the lead regulator and providing it with appropriate powers to ensure reasonable provision of withdrawal and deposit facilities. The powers provided to the Financial Conduct Authority relate to cash access only and do not extend to the provision of wider banking services.

Financial Services: Incentives

Sarah Olney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has conducted an impact assessment of the potential effect of lifting the cap on bankers' bonuses on inflation rates.

Andrew Griffith: The Government has not made a specific assessment of the impact of removing the bonus cap on inflation.

Banks: Wales

Beth Winter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his statement in the House on 23 September 2022 on Growth Plan, if he will make an estimate of the number of beneficiaries of the abolition of the cap on bankers' bonuses who are resident in (a) Cynon Valley constituency, (b) Rhondda Cynon Taf local authority and (c) Wales.

Andrew Griffith: The Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority have announced their intention to consult on the removal of the cap this Autumn, and as part of that will consider the overarching costs and benefits of the proposals against their statutory objectives.

Fuels: Excise Duties

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the temporary fuel duty rates beyond March 2023; and whether he has had discussions with haulage companies in West Yorkshire on the impact of such an extension on their business.

Felicity Buchan: The fuel duty cut will last for a full 12 months, balancing providing short-term support with the long-term sustainability of the public finances. Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

Members: Correspondence

John Penrose: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he will reply to the correspondence from the Hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare dated 3 August and 5 September on behalf of my constituent relating to salary sacrifice schemes.

Felicity Buchan: I have responded to the Honourable Member’s correspondence.

Car Allowances: Electric Vehicles

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the context of the rising cost of electricity, if he will make it his policy to increasethe HMRC advisory electricity rate for electric car business mileage.

Felicity Buchan: The Government introduced the Advisory Electric Rate (AER) in 2018. It applies to employees who use a fully electric vehicle as a company car. The Advisory Electric Rate (AER) was changed in December 2021 from 4 pence per mile (ppm) to 5ppm. This was calculated using published consumption rates, adjusted to reflect real driving conditions, and the average cost of electricity. However, employers are not required to use the AER. Instead, they can use different rates to reflect their employees’ circumstances. Provided they can show that the bespoke rates do not result in a profit for the employee, there will be no tax to pay. Otherwise, when employers reimburse employees at a higher rate than the published AER (5ppm), the excess is subject to Income Tax and NICs. The Government keeps this policy under review.

Video Games: Tax Allowances

Deidre Brock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the implications for his policies of the Irish government's decision to set video games tax relief at 32 per cent.

Deidre Brock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it is his policy to increase the rate of video games tax relief to the level proposed by the Independent Game Developers’ Association.

Felicity Buchan: The Government recognises the valuable economic and cultural contribution of the video games industry. The Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) has supported £5.1 billion of UK expenditure on 1,940 games since its introduction in 2014. At Spending Review 2021 the government confirmed £8 million for the continuation of the UK Games Fund which provides bespoke support for the UK’s independent video game industry. The Government regularly receives proposals for changes to tax reliefs. When considering changes, the Government must ensure they provide support to businesses in a fair way and that taxpayer money is effectively targeted. An uplift in the rate of VGTR is not currently under consideration. However, the Government keeps all tax reliefs under review.

Treasury: Location

Peter Gibson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if it is his policy to select Darlington as the location of the Treasury's new Northern Economic Campus.

Felicity Buchan: We are already making significant progress in establishing the Economic Campus in Darlington based in Feethams House. We announced on 26 July 2022 the Brunswick Street site as its new permanent home. We have committed to moving over 1,100 roles to the campus by 2025 from across all seven Departments and agencies based in the campus.

Apprentices: Taxation

Neil Coyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much funding has been raised by the apprenticeship levy in each of the last 7 years.

Richard Fuller: The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in April 2017. Monthly receipts data for the Apprenticeship Levy is published by HM Revenue and Customs in their Tax and NIC Receipts publication which can be found online at:HMRC tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) A condensed version of the table of interest shows how much funding has been raised by the Apprenticeship Levy in each year since it was introduced in financial year 2017/18: Table: HMRC Receipts for Apprenticeship Levy by Financial Year Financial YearApprenticeship Levy (£ million)2017 to 20182,2712018 to 20192,7132019 to 20202,7982020 to 20212,9102021 to 20223,213

Tax Avoidance

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the revenue that will accrue to the Exchequer from the loan charge.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has received legal advice on pursuing employees and not employers on the use of the Loan Charge.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people seeking refunds due to the changes made by the Morse Review have been refunded by HMRC.

Lucy Frazer: The Loan Charge was announced at Budget 2016 as part of a package of measures to tackle Disguised Remuneration (DR) tax avoidance. The forecast was last revised at Spring Statement 2022, with the latest estimated overall Exchequer yield of £3.4 billion for the entire package, which includes the Loan Charge. In September 2019, the Government commissioned an Independent Review into the Loan Charge, led by Lord Morse. The Government accepted 19 of the 20 recommendations made by the review. Changes to the Loan Charge were estimated to reduce the forecast yield by £745 million at Budget 2020. HMRC will go to the employer to settle the tax due or collect the Loan Charge in the first instance. Approximately 80 per cent of the £3.3 billion HMRC brought into charge through DR settlements between Budget 2016 and the end of March 2021 was from employers. However, HMRC will consider other options to collect the tax where collection from the employer is not possible, such as when the employer no longer exists or is based offshore. Following Lord Morse’s Independent Loan Charge Review in 2019, HMRC established the DR Repayment Scheme 2020 to repay voluntary payments that taxpayers had agreed to make as part of settlements concluded before changes were made to the scope of the Loan Charge. Individuals and employers had until 30 September 2021 to apply to HMRC for a refund or waiver. HMRC repays amounts that were paid in DR scheme settlements, and/or waives amounts of instalments due that have not yet been paid if certain conditions are met. As of 3 June 2022, HMRC had processed approximately  2100 applications, of which approximately 1300 had received either a repayment, a waiver, or both. Approximately  800 of the applications processed at that date were either invalid or ineligible.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Destination Management Organisations

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government’s response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations, how she plans to measure the success of the planned regional pilot of a tiering model for DMOs.

Julia Lopez: As it is England’s National Tourist Board, with the statutory responsibility for growing tourism at an England level, VisitEngland will be responsible for administering and evaluating the funding model pilot in the chosen area. VisitEngland will work closely with the regional pilot to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of funded activities and the multi-year funding model.The Government will provide VisitEngland with additional funding to carry out this leadership role. The Government has allocated a budget of up to £4 million across the 2022-2025 Spending Review period. Any future funding will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.

Destination Management Organisations

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in relation to the Government’s response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations, what criteria will be used to select which region will be funded to pilot a tiering model for DMOs.

Julia Lopez: The Government will choose a region based on the following criteria, which were published in the government response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs):DMOs in the region will have accredited national portfolio status;the region has a DMO landscape that lacks structures and has gaps in coverage;the region geographically offers coastal, urban and natural environments;the region is able to demonstrate a growing business and events offer;the region is able to demonstrate strong potential to support Levelling Up, through alignment with existing or planned Devolution Deals;the region is able to demonstrate close working across DMOs, local authorities and the private sector;the region is able to demonstrate evidence of visitor economy growth potential, this includes opportunities for improvement in tourism products such as attractions and transport links;the region is able to demonstrate product development opportunities; andthe region is able to demonstrate potential to grow visitor numbers and spend.

Destination Management Organisations

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government’s response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), when the Government plans to launch a regional pilot of a tiering model for DMOs.

Julia Lopez: In its response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), the government has committed to pilot the proposed tiering model and the recommendation of multi-year core funding in a region of England.The Government is currently working with VisitEngland to assess regions of England for the pilot based on the published criteria in its response to the DMO Review. The Government is aiming to announce the pilot area and launch the pilot this year.

Broadband: Ellesmere Port and Neston

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of households that have access to broadband in Ellesmere Port and Neston constituency as of 10 October 2022.

Julia Lopez: According to the website ThinkBroadband, 88.9% of premises in the Ellesmere Port and Neston constituency have access to gigabit-capable broadband. This is above the national average of 71%.Furthermore, 99% of premises in the constituency have access to superfast broadband (speeds in excess of 30 Megabits per second). Superfast broadband speeds should allow residents to work from home and stream high definition content simultaneously on multiple devices.

House of Commons Commission

Parliament: Cleaning Services

Fleur Anderson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Common Commission, what the level of pay has been for all Parliamentary cleaning staff in each of the financial years from 2018 to 2022; and whether all Parliamentary cleaning staff are paid the London Living Wage.

Sir Charles Walker: The House of Commons employs a team of part-time Heritage and Book Cleaners (Pay Band E2) in our Office Service Delivery team. Full-time salaries (based upon 36 hours net per week, excluding breaks) and hourly pay rates since April 2018 are shown in the table below:Cleaners (Band E2) Date Salary (Full-Time) Hourly Rate Apr 18 19,766 10.56 Sep 18 20,161 10.77 Apr 19 20,766 11.09 Apr 20 21,389 11.43 Apr 21 21,639 11.56 Apr 22 21,804 11.65 As part of an overall 5% pay award from April 2022, Cleaners (E2) received a one-off non-consolidated pensionable payment of £916.96 (pro-rata part time staff).In addition, we employ Cleaning Supervisors (Pay Band E1). Full-time salaries and hourly pay rates since April 2019 are shown below: Cleaning Supervisors (Band E1) Date Salary (Full-Time) Hourly Rate Apr 18 20,606 11.01 Sep 18 21,018 11.23 Apr 19 21,649 11.56 Apr 20 22,298 11.91 Apr 21 22,548 12.04 Apr 22 22,731 12.14 As part of an overall 5% pay award from April 2022, Cleaning Supervisors (E1) received a one-off non-consolidated pensionable payment of £944.40 (pro-rata part time staff).The House of Commons is accredited by Citizens UK as a London Living Wage Employer and all Cleaners employed by the House of Commons are paid, at least, the London Living Wage. The terms of our accreditation licence also requires that contractors and sub-contractors with dedicated staff who are based on parliamentary premises are paying those staff at least the London Living Wage.We can confirm that to our knowledge, all dedicated staff are being paid either the London Living Wage or the UK Living Wage. However, we do not hold details of the earnings of people who are not directly employed by the House of Commons. Contracts with service partners require the payment of the London Living Wage or the UK Living Wage as appropriate.

Women and Equalities

Equal Pay: Females

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) pay discrepancies and (b) disadvantage in the labour market for women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.

Katherine Fletcher: It is crucial that we ensure everyone is treated fairly in the workplace, so that they can thrive and reach their full potential.This Government is committed to the empowerment of women in the workplace. Over the last decade our work has seen the gender pay gap fall considerably, and a strong growth in the number of women in full-time work. To drive forward this progress we have recently announced a groundbreaking pay transparency pilot, a new STEM returners programme and a Taskforce on Women-Led High-Growth Enterprises.On ethnicity pay gaps; in “Inclusive Britain”, the response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities’ report, we accepted the recommendation to publish guidance for employers to support a voluntary approach to ethnicity pay reporting. Work on this is already underway.

Equal Pay

Imran Hussain: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of gender pay gap reporting by larger companies on gender pay discrepancies since that measure was introduced in 2017.

Katherine Fletcher: This Government is committed to the empowerment of women in the workplace. Over the last decade our work has seen the gender pay gap fall considerably with the reporting regulations helping to motivate employers to improve equality in the workplace and strong growth in the number of women in full-time work.To drive forward this progress we have recently announced a groundbreaking pay transparency pilot, a new STEM returners programme and a Taskforce on Women-Led High-Growth Enterprises. We are required to carry out a review of the regulations after they’ve been in force for five years; as is the case for many other business regulations. This is being prepared and will fully consider all of the available evidence to assess whether the regulations are achieving their intended impact. It will be published in due course.